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NEW GEAR
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US OPEN
New venue, new state,
Callaway XR Pro
Wilson Staff Triton
new level of difficulty Benross Tribe
See p70
Bushnell Pro X2
FootJoy ContourFIT
'WOOD' YOU Evnroll putters
LIKE A GAME?
The rise
and rise of The latest polo
hickory golf shirts & wedges

HIT MORE
See p84

SKIN
CANCER
Getting to grips
with golf's
silent killer
See p94 GREENS!
5 MOVES TO MASTER
NEW SEASON 'STOP HUNTING FLAGS'

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Everything you need to know to get the right ball for your game
 WELCOME
ith the golf season now in full swing
W
and a popular Spaniard enjoying full
ownership of a green jacket (see page
16 for more on that), it’s time to start
taking your golf seriously.
Our Tuition Panel member David Orr has some
seriously good advice for readers this issue: stop
aiming at flags… and aim at greens.
The Eastwood pro is one of the most respected
coaches in the country and works with seasoned
pros as well as young amateurs keen to make their
mark in the future of the game. His cover feature
this issue – Hunt Down Greens – is a great read and
will provide you with some easy-to-digest food for
thought as you head into a busy summer of golf. It
starts on page 48.
I’m always harping on about golf getting a bad
rap, especially how some in the (mainstream) media
continue to throw out the line that ‘golf is dying’.
That’s not quite the case, actually, as our reporter
Martin Inglis found out when he visited the council-
run courses of Glasgow and Edinburgh. Dig a little
deeper and you might just be a little surprised. The
numbers at public courses are up, despite what you
read elsewhere. His report into grassroots golf is a
great read and starts on page 60.
Also in this issue (page 42) is an exclusive look
inside the refurbished iconic Lighthouse at Trump
Turnberry – with a special video also available on
our YouTube channel – plus a full preview of what to
expect at next month’s US Open. Michael McEwan
sets the scene for a tournament billed as the
‘toughest test in golf’. That’s on page 70.
As ever, we’ve got the full lowdown on the very
latest equipment in the game from the biggest
brands, plus our Buyer’s Guide this issue covers golf
balls, wedges and polo tops.
Enjoy the issue.
Bryce Ritchie, Editor
Bryce_N4
PSP Media Group Ltd,
PSP House, 50 High Craighall Road,
Craighall Business Park, Glasgow, G4 9UD
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contentsissue155
FEATURES
42 INSIDE THE 70 US OPEN PREVIEW 90 SKIN CANCER:
TURNBERRY Everything you need to GOLF’S SILENT KILLER
LIGHTHOUSE know about golf’s toughest SPECIAL REPORT Michael
EXCLUSIVE We go test as it prepares to visit McEwan investigates the
through the keyhole at the Erin Hills (pictured) and risks posed to golfers and
extensively refurbished Wisconsin for the first time finds out what is being
lighthouse, one of golf’s done to raise awareness
most iconic properties 84 ‘WOOD’ YOU
60 GOLF BOOM? LIKE A GAME?
SPECIAL REPORT Martin We take a closer look
Inglis gets to grips with at how hickory golf has
the ‘other side’ of golf - grown massively in appeal
the highly popular and around the world over
competitive municipal scene the past few years

6 BUNKERED.CO.UK
 cont’d
contentsissue155
HOLE MORE
PUTTS!
Andrew Jowett
demonstrates some simple
tips and explains his thought
processes to help you
convert far more birdie
opportunities

90

Tuition Gear Opinion Regulars

36 Chip like a tour pro 107 Cobra King F7 woods 32 Dougie Donnelly 12 Letters
Murray Urquhart shows the 110 Callaway XR Pro irons How China has started to 13 bunkered On Tour
technique you need to master 112 Wilson Staff Triton establish itself as a major 16 On The Tee
114 Benross Tribe range player on golf’s stage 153 Travel News
38 The secret to 18” putts
115 Bushnell Pro X2 170 Cool Hangout: Ireland
Build your confidence over 34 Michael McEwan
116 FootJoy ContourFIT 175 Where To Play in GB&I
those knee-knockers Why people should think
118 Evnroll putters 187 Doon The Stretch
again in their rush to call
40 Refine your swing plane 120 Shop Window 191 Prize Crossword
Lexi Thompson a ‘cheat’
A simple tip to help you swing 121 Vintage Gear 194 Moments
it much more consistently 123 Buyer’s Guide
Featuring
48 Hunt down greens 124 Balls
Five simple tips to help you 138 Wedges
improve your GIR stats 145 Polo Shirts
90 Hole more putts 151 Extra Listings
Go back to basics and
eliminate guesswork altogether

8 BUNKERED.CO.UK
DEAR
WIN
A long-sleeved
‘Largo’ top
Email letters@bunkered.co.uk

STAR LETTER
How I won 48 Open Championships...
5 Last Saturday, I had the pleasure
of playing the Old Course at St
Andrews. I am an Australian and have
been living in Scotland for a number
of years. Over that time, I have played
the Old Course six or seven times.
On Saturday, the weather was mild
and calm by Scottish standards so
perfect for golf at St Andrews, even
though it was quite early in the
season. I play off five but coming out
of winter my game was rusty and I
held low expectations.
If ever a golfer is going to be
nervous on the first tee, it will be
at St Andrews. There are always
people watching and the atmosphere
and history of the place combine to
make even seasoned professionals
a bit edgy. And so it was with me as
I hit my opening drive and pulled
it far enough left that momentarily
I had thoughts it could run out of
bounds. Fortunately, I avoided the
embarrassment of missing the widest
fairway in golf, but the angle for my
second shot was tricky and I ended
up with a bogey at the first.
After this, my nerves settled
enough to play the front nine in 39,
a creditable three-over. I had a few
chances for birdies but didn’t manage
to hole any putts of length other than
a ten-footer to save a bogey after
taking two to get out of a bunker.
The eleventh might be the best
par-3 on the Open rota. It is a quirky
hole that would never be built on a
course today given that you hit from
the tee towards
the green which is
straight across the
seventh fairway.
My tee shot left
the club out of the
middle and despite
aiming intentions,
never deviated
from the line of the
pin. It was one of
those where you
hope it carries the
bunker and once
it does you start
thinking maybe it
could be an ace.
Unfortunately, no
such luck but I was
absolutely delighted to nudge an
eight-footer downhill into the cup for
a two.
With another birdie at the par-4 15th
I found myself one-over with three to
play. At 16, after pulling my approach,
I had a long birdie putt of maybe 40ft.
Unfortunately, there was the edge of
a bunker between me and the pin
which, I would soon discover, made
it virtually impossible to finish the ball
anywhere near the hole. The result:
a three-putt bogey. Sometimes you
don’t have to be in a bunker for it to
cost you a shot at St Andrews.
So to the Road Hole, the most
famous and toughest hole on the
course. My drive was the best of the
day. Aimed straight over the ‘O’ in
‘Hotel’, it finished well over the big
green sheds perfectly in the centre
of the fairway, leaving a 4-iron for
my approach. With the pin behind
the Road Hole bunker, I took the
safe play and aimed well right of the
flag with the intention of finding the
green and hopefully managing a long
two-putt for par. Instead, I pushed
my approach wide right, left my pitch
short for another bogey and was
back to three-over.
After a comfortable par at 17, I
signed for a 75. Three-over-par, two
under my handicap and a brilliant day.
It doesn’t get much better than that.
In the days that followed, I replayed
the round in my head and it got me
thinking about where my round of 75
fits in the history of golf at St Andrews
and in the Open. Now, I have no
illusions about my golfing ability and
openly acknowledge that any decent
pro would probably have shot at least
five or six-under from the white tees
at St Andrews. And, yes, I understand
the difference between a feathery
and a Pro V1, not to mention a spoon
and a 460cc titanium driver, but still
I started to dream a little.
The first Open was played in 1860,
but the first Open at St Andrews was
played in 1873 over 36 holes. It was
won by Tom Kidd with a total of 179
strokes. If I allow myself to say my 75
could have been repeated for a two-
round total of 150 strokes, then I win
the 1873 Open by 29 shots.
Not even Tiger Woods can match
that margin in a major championship!
In fact, my research shows, a
score of 150 strokes would have
comfortably won every Open
Championship played over 36
holes from 1860 until 1891 with the
CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

12 BUNKERED.CO.UK
How to speed up play
5 Regarding the proposed law changes, I think
that three minutes to look for a ball is very tight
ÎON TOUR
Been somewhere nice? Managed to get your copy
and means always considering a provisional. For club of bunkered in the snap? If so, send us your pic and
competitions at least, could the laws allow clubs authority we’ll stick your mug in the mag!
to declare that, after the expiry of three minutes, a letters@bunkered.co.uk
competitor could be allowed to drop a ball on the fairway
at or as near as possible, to the point of entry to the hazard
where the ball was lost, adding two penalty strokes to 1
the score for the hole? The option to play the provisional
would also be available.
This would avoid the club members returning to the tee,
speeding up play.
Jimmy Brown, via email

Best golf show in years

5 I have been attending the
Scottish Golf Show for
years now and I would say the
recent was probably the best
ever put on.
The new things that
organisers added were great,
i.e. Golf Darts for both kids and 2 3
adults, the Kids’ Zone and Show
Theatre. I take my six-year-old
nephew and this year had more
stuff for kids, which was great.
The introduction of comperes
added more atmosphere. Des Clarke and another
gentleman at the Chip In Challenge was equally as good.
More comperes and fun stalls, please.
As much as I liked the Show Theatre, listening to Paul
Lawrie, Alan Rough, Murdo MacLeod etc, after the 30 min
interview with Alan Tait, I thought a good idea would be to
add a 15-30 min Q&A session with the audience.
My only complaints would be less small stalls selling
holidays, massagers, sweets and paintings etc, better
quality courses on the ticket scheme even if we have to
pay an extra £10, and a junior club at the Vokey Chip Shot 4
and the Bunker Challenge so kids can have a go.
Keep up to the good work.
Ian Marshall, via email
EDITOR’S REPLY
Glad you enjoyed yourself, Ian. I have passed on your
comments to SGS organiser Tom Lovering, who deals with all
aspects of the show. Trust me, he welcomes all comments,
good and bad, which is why this year’s show was a marked
improvement on previous years. And he’s not done yet. There
are huge plans already in place for 2018. Stayed tuned.

Time for oldies to chuck it

5Answers
What have the numbers 1,378, 1,895, 1,896 and 1,006
got in common?
on a postcard... only joking.
These are the world rankings for Mark O’Meara, Ian 1 Neil McDonald, Ross Mills and Tom Smart enjoying some
Woosnam, Sandy Lyle and Larry Mize. early season sun at Celebration Golf Club near Kissimmee,
All but Mize missed the cut at the Masters, and he Florida. 2 Andy Boyd hitting the slopes with his favourite
finished second last. mag at the top of Empire Express Chair, 9,570 feet up
With only 94 ‘invites’ available, that means there are 915 in Deer Valley, Utah. 3 Gordon Burns and pals at Pebble
higher ranked players than Mize, who don’t get a look in. Beach. “We also played Spyglass Hill and Spanish Bay, all of
But the Masters Committee still stick to inviting back past which were out of this world,” says Gordon. 4 Torrance Park
champions regardless of the fact that they simply cannot members celebrate David Moffat’s 60th birthday at Anfield.
contend. Tiger knows his game is not up to it, at present,
and withdrew. High time O’Meara, Woosnam, Lyle and Mize connect with us
do the same. Simply embarrassing.
Gerry Campbell, via email

TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE 13
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12
exception of one year. In 1870, Tom
Morris Junior won the second of his
four Opens in a row at Prestwick with
a total of 149. He won by 12 shots
but would have only beaten my 150
strokes by one. Young Tom Morris
definitely was the Tiger of his day
but if I had been around he would
have just been Phil or Ernie because
my 150 denies his other three Open
victories.
In 1892, the Open became a
72-hole tournament. So, allowing
myself a four-round score of 4 x 75
= 300, I would also have won every
Open from 1892 until 1903. In 1903, I
finish in a play-off with the great Harry
Vardon at Prestwick. I suspect Harry
would have been pretty intimidated
by my Ping driver on the first play-off
hole so I am tempted to give myself
that Open as well.
From here on, my success rate,
whilst still exceptional, starts to
reduce. Jack White breaks my run at
the 1904 Open at Royal St George’s
with a score of 296. In a huge shock,
I wouldn’t even have made the top
three with Braid and Taylor runners-
up on 297.
Undeterred by this unexpected
result, my 300 score wins again
in 1905 and gets me into another
play-off, this time with James Braid
at St Andrews in 1906. After this, my
victories become less frequent but
still prolific even by Tom Watson or
Peter Thomson standards, with wins
in 1907, 1911, 1913, and 1914. The Great
War deprives me of opportunities
between 1915 and 1919 but I win by
three strokes in 1920, tie with Walter
Hagen in 1922, and win again in
1924. My final taste of Open glory is
a tie with Jim Barnes of the USA at
Prestwick in 1925.
In 1926, the great amateur Bobby
Jones wins in 291 strokes at Royal
Lytham and, from then on, my career
fades as the winning score in the
Open never again tops 300.
There is much debate regarding
the impact on the professional game
of improvements in club technology,
ball distance, course preparation and
human strength and conditioning.
What my story reveals, however, is
that by far the biggest improvements
in golf scoring occurred over 100
years ago, so this is a very long
running debate.
Whatever your view on the
professional game, there can be little
doubt that making the game easier
for the ordinary player adds to the
enjoyment of playing golf.
The gradual improvement in
scoring over time gives us the
opportunity to imagine how,
admittedly with the mismatch of their
equipment versus today’s, we would
have competed against legends of
the past like Jones, Hagen, Vardon,
Taylor, Braid, Tom Morris Junior
and Senior. Imagine how their eyes
would have lit up in amazement as
you handed them a sleeve of Pro
V1s and slid the cover off one of the
latest drivers on the first tee. It is one
of golf’s many unique strengths that
the scores of tournaments past are
recorded, in many cases on courses
that we average golfers can still play
today.
It allows us to relate to those past
victories and players in a way that
other ball sports generally cannot.
An average score per round of 75
will almost certainly never win a major
championship again but my round
last Saturday at St Andrews was
good enough to win the Open 48
times and to tie first on a further four
occasions. Not a bad career record
to share with the grandkids!
Michael Lumsden
EDITOR’S REPLY
What can I say? Absolutely magnificent.
I loved reading every word. Your
well-deserved Ping polo is in the post.

The Lexi problem… solved!

5 After seeing the reported news of Lexi Thomson’s
penalty for incorrect ball marking (which I found totally
ludicrous, by the way) and much discussion with my playing
partners, I decided to make my marker more like that of a
snooker referee’s. I cut a ‘V’ into it (see photos) allowing
me to mark and replace it with no movement at all. The ball
actually sits nicely in this ‘V’ and I shall never incur the four-
stroke penalty like that of poor Lexi. I think that the powers
that be need to take a good long hard look at themselves
for allowing some armchair sad-sack umpire to influence
their decision, when there were playing partners and
on-course officials there at the time and never brought it to
her attention.
There is no doubt that we have all, amateurs and
professionals alike, at some time, replaced our ball
incorrectly because the markers we use allow for
movement. I hope that marker manufacturers see this
and start producing something along these lines, with my
percentage cut of course!
Love the magazine and look forward to its delivery every
month.
John McQuiston, Hollandbush member

EDITOR’S REPLY
Lexi broke a rule and was rightly penalised for it. Harsh how it
happened, and the punishment was severe, but she still broke
the rules. The question is whether she did it knowingly, which I
don’t think she did. Just because the rule is broken every week,
as you say, doesn’t mean the infringement should be brushed
under the carpet. I don’t think for a minute a TV viewer called in,
either. Who do they phone? Where is the number? I don’t see a
number on Sky Sports’ website to call a TV producer that gets me
straight through to tournament officials. I think that’s a cop-out.
The real question is this: did she break a rule? Yes. I don’t see
much to worry about after that. There are things the authorities
could tidy up, we all know this, but we have rules for a reason.

14 BUNKERED.CO.UK
Insight, news, views & gossip from around the game

#vamossergio

AT
LAST!
It was a long time coming
- but Sergio Garcia’s first
major was worth the wait

WORDS Bryce Ritchie

@Bryce_N4
PHOTOS Getty Images

B
ACK SOME TIME in 1998,
I remember my father telling
me to keep one eye on a
young Spaniard who was going
to rival Tiger Woods.
A 21-year-old Woods had just
won the Masters by 12 shots
the previous year and this kid
was being hailed as his closest
challenger, so said my old man.
“He’s Seve’s protégé,” he told
me. “He’s going to be special.”
It was only the following year
when I realised my dad kind
of knew what he was talking
about when I watched Sergio
Garcia light up the golf world
at Medinah in the US PGA.
Memorably, on the Sunday,
he rattled an ‘impossible’ shot
from out of a tree stump then
scampered down the fairway to
see his ball land. Woods, now
a world star, was centre stage,
and here was this 19-year-old
trying to kick him off it.
In the end, he was duly
beaten by Woods, losing by
one, and he has suffered
uncomfortably in the majors
ever since.

LONG TIME COMING

Until the 2017 Masters, Garcia,
now 37, had played in 73
majors with no return. The T

16 BUNKERED.CO.UK
BUCKET LIST - CHARL ‘BEST HOLE’ WIN
DACHSTEIN SCHWARTZEL FOR ST ANDREWS
PAGE 20 PAGE 22 PAGE 28

At the 74th time of

asking, Sergio Garcia
finally claimed his
long-awaited first
major at this year’s
Masters
T so-called protégé of the
late Ballesteros had made
his mark in the Ryder Cup,
but the events that matter
are the majors.
His ‘record’ wasn’t
exactly deserved, either.
He had a mix of bad luck
(Carnoustie ‘07, where he
hit the perfect shot into
16 in the play-off only to
see his ball cannon off
the flagstick), close calls
(Medinah ‘99, where he
was five back going into
the back nine against
Woods and lost by one) or
having to deal with outside
influences (Bethpage ‘02,
where he faced a truly
hostile New York crowd…
whilst paired with Woods).
All that history conspired
to make victory at the 74th
attempt all the sweeter.
NEW MAN
The turnaround in fortunes
at Augusta was noticeable
before the job was done.
For once, he had a US
crowd on his side. Cries
of ‘SER-GI-O! SER-GI-O!’
as he made his way to
Augusta’s back nine on
the Sunday could not
have been predicted
by anyone. But the
significance of a possible
victory was becoming
noticeable.
All week in Georgia,
Garcia talked of being a
changed character. “I think
that I’m a little bit calmer
now,” he said, looking
inward. “I’m working on
trying to accept things. It’s
part of golf. It’s not easy.
It’s much easier to say
than to do it. You accept
the bad moments or the
bad breaks with the good
ones, and kind of move
on.”
He was also clearly
uncomfortable in
addressing the issue of
winning the Masters on
Seve’s 60th birthday.
Despite the headlines,
in both his Saturday and
Sunday press conferences
Garcia was hesitant to get
involved and batted off
the queries of the link with
Seve.
He wanted the focus on
18 BUNKERED.CO.UK
the job he had to do and
nothing else.
AT LAST
The back-nine slugging
match with Justin Rose
wasn’t quite Stenson vs
Mickelson at Royal Troon,
but it was a slugging
match all the same. At one
point, Garcia looked like
he was going to fall three
back with five to play. He
then showed his class
by going birdie-eagle to
grab a share of the lead. A
missed putt from five feet
at the 72nd hole for the
win could have seen his
world cave in - but it didn’t.
He genuinely was a new
man, and when he rattled
one off the 18th tee in the
play-off, he proved it.
RELIEF
Danny Willett’s face in the
green jacket ceremony
typified the feelings of
everyone in the game.
Willett was no different to
the rest of us: the sight of
Sergio Garcia in a green
jacket put a lump in your
throat.
In the press conference,
Garcia’s family, soon-
to-be-wife Angela, and
his management team
- which have worked with
the Spaniard his entire
career - were calm and
measured in the moment.
There was no outpouring
of emotion. It’s as if they
knew something everyone
didn’t - that this win had
been coming, and they
were prepared for it.
“When I came here
in ‘99 as an amateur, I
felt like this course was
probably going to give me
at least one major,” Garcia
said in the Butler Cabin.
“I’m not going to lie, that
thought kind of changed a
little bit through the years,
because I started feeling
uncomfortable on the
course. But I kind of came
to peace with it the last
three or four years, and I
accepted what Augusta
gives and takes. And I
think because of that I’m
able to stand here
today.”
VAMOS SERGIO!
TOP Danny Willett was clearly
chuffed to bits for Sergio at the
green jacket ceremony. Willett
described Masters Sunday as
a ‘great battle between two
champions’. LEFT Sergio and
fiancée Angela Akins pose at
the top of the Empire State
Building during the obligatory
Masters media tour in New
York. ABOVE Taking part in a
ceremonial kick-off for the El
Classico match between his
team Real Madrid and rivals
Barcelona at the Santiago
Bernabéu. RIGHT Signing
autographs during a tour of
the New York Stock Exchange.
 BUCKET LIST

DACHSTEIN-TAUREN,
AUSTRIA
F
EAST YOUR EYES
UPON the magnificent
Dachstein-Tauren golf
course, the so-called
‘Pebble Beach of the
Alps’. Situated just over
an hour’s drive south of
Salzburg, the fourth largest
city in Austria, the course
opened as recently as
2007 and was designed
by German two-time
Masters champ Bernhard
Langer. It is laid out on the
floor of a valley against
the backdrop of the
awe-inspiring Dachstein
mountain range. As you
might expect, water
features prominently
- on more than half of
the holes, in fact - whilst
there are six par-3s
ranging in length from
150 to 215 yards. You’re
looking at the pick of the
bunch, the sixth, which is
appropriately named ‘The
Beach’. The shortest hole
on the course, your tee
shot has to carry both a
shimmering lake and an
enormous waste bunker
in order to reach the
green. The course also
has its own ‘Amen Corner’
between the seventh
and the tenth, with the
brilliant 17th - the ‘Duck
Hole’ - another standout.
If you’re looking for proof
that there’s more to the
Alps than skiing, you’ll find
it here.

facebook.com/GCC.DT
TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE 21
 THE
INSIDE
TRACK
McCain Foods made headlines
recently when they had to recall their
hash browns due to fears that they
might contain bits of golf balls. The
American frozen food giant asked
customers to return the hash browns
after realising that the field where
their potatoes are harvested sits
right next to a golf course, which
could have resulted in stray golf balls
winding up in the harvester. Yummy!

A Scot standing for UKIP in the

forthcoming council elections in
Glasgow has said that she would
like to ‘abolish golf courses’ if
elected. Gisella Allen, 84, believes
that they are ‘an environmental
threat and a threat to the safety IN THE WORDS OF

CHARL
of people’. She also thinks women
with small children should ‘stay
at home and look after their own
children’ and would like the death

penalty to be reintroduced. Sounds
like she’d be fun at dinner parties.
Sorry, grooms-to-be - Rory McIlroy
has massively raised the bar for
wedding day surprises. The Northern
Irishman flew in Stevie Wonder,
pictured, to perform for his new
bride, Erica Stoll, at their recent
nuptials in Ireland. According to
some reports, the
American soul
star performed for
over an hour as
the new Mr & Mrs
McIlroy celebrated
taking their vows.
The former US president Barack
Obama is reportedly keen to take
in some of the country’s top courses
when he visits Scotland next month.
Obama will address business
leaders in Edinburgh in one of his
first public speaking engagements
since leaving the White House but
is said to be determined to play
some golf during his trip - and who
can blame him? The former POTUS
famously racked up over 300 rounds
during his eight years in office.
SCHWARTZEL
When you win the Masters, like I
did in 2011, your expectations rise
so much, so if you have a drought
for four or five years without
winning, you start doubting yourself.
You think, ‘What’s going on?’
AGE 32
NATIONALITY SOUTH AFRICAN
What do I remember about my
Masters win? Playing phenomenal
golf, tee-to-green, in that final
round. It was amazing, all the way
until 18. And to make the birdie putts on 15, 16, 17 and 18 was just awesome.
To win on the PGA Tour, it really is getting very difficult. The guys are playing so
good. Everyone works so hard. The competition is really, really tight. You’ve got to
be sharper than the rest to win out here.
It’s a lot harder to win now with the technology that we’ve got and everyone
working out. The playing field is so much more level, whereas in the past, maybe
if you worked harder than the rest, you’re going to be a bit better.
I had a ‘Jordan Spieth at the 2016 Masters’ moment at the 2015 South African
Open. It’s my national open, the second-oldest tournament in the world, and I
really wanted to win it. I had a four-shot lead with something like five holes to go
and I was cruising. Then I made double on 16, bogey on 17, parred 18 and lost in a
play-off. That was very difficult to swallow.
How do you bounce back from a disappointing loss? It takes time. It’s easier
said than done. But time heals a lot of things. The quicker you start thinking about
it, and the quicker people stop talking about it, you get over it. You’ve got to make
new memories.
It doesn’t bother me if I go to Augusta and nobody talks about me. At the end
of the day, people talk about the guys that are on form. That’s fair enough but I
know that any time I get there, I feel like I’ve got just as good a chance to win as
anyone else.

22 BUNKERED.CO.UK
REGISTER NOW
FOR THE HOTTEST
TICKETS IN GOLF
Ticket registration for the next Ryder Cup in France is open
- but you need to be quick... here’s all you need to know
C
APTAIN THOMAS BJØRN
leads Team Europe against the
Americans in the match at Le
Golf National in Paris as Europe
look to win back the trophy they
lost at Hazeltine last year.
And the only way you can be
there to watch the action is to
create an official Ryder Cup ticket
account at rydercup.com/tickets
Fans have until the beginning of
September to create an account,
before tickets go on sale on a ‘first
come, first served’ basis. As well
as the match days from September
28-30, tickets for the three practice
days from September 25-27
will also be available. For more
information on the ticket process,
including ticket types and pricing
visit rydercup.com/tickets
Thousands of fans made the
journey to Gleneagles in 2014 to
get behind Team Europe as they
claimed their third consecutive
victory.
Demand amongst the European
contingent is expected to be high
once again when the Ryder Cup
returns to mainland Europe for the
26 BUNKERED.CO.UK
first time since 1997, when Seve
Ballesteros led his team to victory.
Bjørn knows a thing or two
about the passion and intensity
of the Ryder Cup, with three
appearances as a player and four
as a vice-captain already under
his belt.
The Dane, who was the first
player from his homeland to be
Spotted at 2014 Ryder Cup
at Gleneagles... hands up
who wants this jacket?
selected for the Ryder Cup, is in
no doubt about the role supporters
play in the event.
“One of the things that makes
the Ryder Cup so special is the
passion for this great contest from
m
the public,” he said. “Fans play a
huge part in the success of the
Ryder Cup, and nothing in golf ● FYI
is more exciting than feeling that
support from the crowd at a home e The only way to purch
purchase
match. tickets for the Ryder C
Cup is
“With the ticketing process noww by creating a ticket ac
account
open, it reminds us all that the next
ext at rydercup.com/ticke
rydercup.com/tickets
18 months will pass by before we e Duee to high demand, creating
D
Du
know it. I know that fans around a ticket account does not
Europe will be as excited about However,
guarantee tickets. How
the match as I am and I urge only those with an account
acc
everyone to register for tickets and
nd will be able to access the
get behind the team.” ‘first come, first served’
serve sale.
 LAST COMES
FIRST...
The 18th hole of the Old Course at St Andrews
comes out top in poll to identify Scotland’s best hole

28 BUNKERED.CO.UK
 POLL
RESULTS

I
T’S OFFICIAL: the
18th hole of the Old
Course in St Andrews is
the best golf hole in the
country.
The par-4 finisher,
named ‘Tom Morris’ after
the man who fashioned
the course as we know
it today, came out on
top in an online poll of
golfers conducted by
VisitScotland.
The poll, undertaken
by the national tourism
organisation as part of
its ‘Spirit of Scotland’
campaign, asked golfers
to vote for the best
opening and closing holes,
a best par-3, par-4 and
par-5, as well as the best
view and a best overall
hole from a selection of
shortlisted holes across
the country. It highlighted
what makes Scotland’s
courses so iconic, whilst
also inviting entrants to
‘support local heroes’ and
suggest their favourite golf
holes.
The 18th on the Old
Course, pictured left,
gathered a 27% share of
the vote for the ‘Best Hole’
to take the top spot ahead
of the first at Machrihanish
and the eighth at Royal
Troon, second and third
respectively.
Commenting on
the findings, Malcolm
Roughead, the chief
executive of VisitScotland,
said: “We’re thrilled that
the golfing public have
taken the time to put
their support behind
their favourite courses
in Scotland, from local
favourites to the home of
golf itself, St Andrews.
4 UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS ON No.18
Seve’s fist pumps
● Señor Ballesteros won
his fourth major and second
Open in thrilling fashion over
the Old Course. His iconic
celebration on the 18th in
the final round later became
his own official logo.
30 BUNKERED.CO.UK
“Every club plays its
part in making Scotland
the essential golfing
destination, so we’re
proud to honour such
a diverse range of our
spectacular courses.”
The 18th of the Old
Course was also named
as the Best Closing Hole
in the country, with the
first at Machrihanish - the
famous ‘Battery’ hole -
taking the title of Best
Opening Hole. Perhaps
Rocca’s ‘Sinful’ putt
● Costantino Rocca holed an
improbable 60-foot putt from
the ‘Valley of Sin’ short of the
18th green to take John Daly to
a play-off for the 1995 Open.
Daly would win but Rocca’s
putt would never be forgotten.
unsurprisingly given the
affection with which it is
held, the ‘Postage Stamp’
eighth at Royal Troon
claimed the Best Par-3
honour, with the 17th of the
Old Course being named
Best Par-4.
The Best Par-5 went
to the 12th at Kingsbarns
Golf Links, seeing off
competition from the
18th at Castle Stuart Golf
Links, the 16th of the
PGA Centenary Course
Woods’ Slam success
● Tiger Woods romped to
an eight-shot win in the
2000 Open, where holing
out on the 18th in the fourth
round saw him become just
the fifth golfer to complete
the career grand slam.
at Gleneagles, and the
recently-redesigned tenth
hole of the Ailsa Course
at Trump Turnberry.
The ninth hole
on Cruden Bay’s
Championship Course was
picked as having the Best
View.
Impressively, the 12th
hole at Hopeman Golf
Club near Elgin received
over 100 votes in this
category, despite not
having been shortlisted.
Sanders’ shocker
● In the 1970 Open, a three-
foot putt on the 18th was all
that stood between Doug
Sanders and a first major.
Incredibly, he missed and
was beaten by Jack Nicklaus
in a play-off the next day.
 DOUGIE DONNELLY

China looks to be
golf’s next great frontier
How the world’s fourth largest country is finally starting to embrace the game

HILE THE ‘SHOWBIZ AND FIREWORKS’ Golf

W
Sixes was looking to bring a new audience to
tournament golf in St Albans, it was significant
for more than its noisy new format. For the
first time this season, the European Tour was
justifying its name.
After visits to Australia, South Africa, Hong Kong, the
Middle East, Malaysia, India, Morocco and China - not
to mention the WGC events in Mexico and the USA and
the Masters - the Tour finally touched down on its home
continent. Back in its earliest days, of course, it was
only around now, as courses emerged from their winter
hibernation, that the first events of a new tournament
season would be staged. How different it is now - and how
fortunate we are to see so many exotic places.
The Volvo China Open this year was in Beijing, on a
course literally underneath the Great Wall of China. More
than 2,300 years old, built over hundreds of years to
protect China’s northern border, and at one stage - some of
it has collapsed over the centuries - it was a mind-boggling
13,000 miles long. If it wasn’t for golf, I doubt if I’d ever
have seen it, far less walked on it.
China, this vast and brilliant country of 1.3 billion
people, is endlessly fascinating. Its relationship with golf
is unpredictable to say the least. The Chinese still haven’t
decided whether it is a wonderful sport to encourage
health and fitness in that huge population, or a sport for
millionaires, as Mao Tse Tung famously dismissed it when
he came to power.
The first golf course in mainland China was built as
recently as 1984 and when the first China Open was played
in 1995 there were only six courses in the country and
around 1,500 regular players.
As China opened up to the West, and the numbers of
aspirational middle class swelled, golf became a symbol of
wealth and business success, and the numbers of courses
and players grew enormously. But the political climate
changed again, and more than 100 courses have recently
been closed by government order. Apparently developers
had been building on arable land without permission and
were using far too much water. The environmental impact
became a major concern - as did the fact that too many
local officials had fallen in love with the game!
Even though there is still no competitive amateur circuit
or performance pathway for China’s young players, the
political wind seems to have changed direction again.
There appears to be a new desire to make golf a game
for everyone, not just the elite. Shanshan Feng’s Olympic
bronze in Rio has certainly helped, too.
The China Golf Association, traditionally an inward-
looking and secretive organisation, also seems to have
changed its tune, with a new strategic alliance signed
with the Asian Tour to create new tournaments and new
opportunities for young Chinese professionals.
The fact that the winners of the China Open in 2015 and
2016 were local players was highly significant, too. Ashun
Wu, who went on to win again in Austria last year, and Li
Haotong both triumphed over a field of top-class European
Tour players. At the recent Shenzhen International recently,
Liu Yan Wei, only 19, finished just outside the top ten, four
strokes ahead of double Masters champion Bubba Watson.
Bubba has come to Shenzhen for the last three years
and is massively popular with the local fans, who come out
in their thousands to watch a sport which, frankly, most of
them know very little about. However, they are enthusiastic
in their support of the players, and love a bit of backspin!
Significantly, they make it a family outing. Thousands of
youngsters line the fairways in their free T-shirts, carrying
their tournament backpacks. The challenge for the China
Golf Association is to keep those kids engaged.
As it happens, the Shenzhen tournament produced a
thrilling last day, with at least six players in with a chance of
winning over the closing holes before Bernd Wiesberger
got across the line. Hopefully, those Chinese fans were
inspired. Jack Nicklaus said around 20 years ago that it
wouldn’t be too long before five of the world’s top ten
were Chinese. Jack didn’t get much wrong, did he?

@DougieDonnelly

32 BUNKERED.CO.UK
 MICHAEL McEWAN

Lexi doesn’t deserve to

be tarred with the ‘C’ word
The American made a mistake, yes - but who are we to insist it was deliberate?

S THERE AN UGLIER WORD IN GOLF than

I
the ‘C’ word? No, no that ‘C’ word. The other
‘C’ word. Cheat. It’s such a horrible, dirty
term with far-reaching, difficult-to-shake
consequences. Once you’re identified
as a ‘cheat’, you’re a pariah, an outcast,
condemned and damned at a stroke.
For that very reason, it’s crucial that it is never applied
casually, lest it end up like the many other words that have
lost their value through over-use in this age of labels and
enthusiastic exaggeration.
Not that such a responsibility to the English language
ever stopped anybody abusing it, as Lexi Thompson found
out to her cost recently.
By now, most people who follow golf will be familiar with
what happened to her at the ANA Inspiration. For those
who are not, the short version is that she didn’t replace
her ball exactly where she marked it before making a short
putt at the 17th hole in the third round of ladies’ golf’s first
major of the season. The incident was brought to light by a
TV viewer and Thompson was subsequently informed that
she was being docked four shots - two for playing from
the wrong spot, another two for signing for an incorrect
score - with seven holes of her final round left to play. She
ultimately lost in a play-off.
What is not in any way up for debate is whether or not
the American broke a rule. It’s quite clear (well, when you
have the benefit of slow-motion replays) that she didn’t
replace her ball correctly. She didn’t get it wrong by much
but the Rules of Golf don’t make allowances for scale of
error. Only error. In that regard, yes, she broke a rule and
was rightly docked two shots. No issue there.
Rather, the issue - at least, one of the issues - is the
reaction to her mistake. Out came the trolls, the name-
callers, the indignant ‘holier-than-thou’ keyboard warriors.
“She’s a cheat” was a popular response across most
social media platforms. One Twitter user even went so
far as to compare Thompson to Maria Sharapova, the
American tennis player who has, until recently, been
serving a ban from the sport after failing a drugs test.
Such laughable chatter is an unfortunate by-product
of these noisy times. Thanks to social media, the world
is noisier than ever. Everybody has a soapbox and an
audience. The internet has become an unfiltered, 24/7,
radio phone-in, except everybody is talking at once.
Did Lexi Thompson cheat? Without proof that she
intentionally replaced her ball in a different position
so as to gain an advantage, we can’t know. This is the
nub of the matter: there is no unequivocal, irrefutable
proof. Only Thompson herself knows whether it was an
innocent or deliberate act of rule-breaking. She insists
it was the former. And yet people are still not satisfied,
swatting away her ‘not guilty’ plea with a dismissive ‘well,
of course she would say that’. People who don’t know her,
have never met her and probably have never heard her
speak are baselessly casting aspersions on her character,
questioning the one thing that no golfer ever wants to
have questioned - their integrity.
It’s a judiciary process straight out of the Middle Ages.
“You say you’re innocent, the evidence is circumstantial at
best but, let’s be honest, it doesn’t look good - OFF WITH
HER HEAD!” Is that really who we are?
The problem for Lexi is that the incident will now follow
her wherever she goes, if not for the rest of her career,
then for a fair chunk of it. In golf, there’s little distinction
between an ‘alleged cheat’ and a ‘cheat’. She will need to
deal with the stigma, the sideways glances, the whispers
and the finger-pointing. All because she made a mistake
and irresponsible loudmouths are allowed to persecute her
without repercussions. So much for ‘presumed innocent’.
What happened with Lexi at the ANA Inspiration was
unfortunate. However, the reaction to it has been broadly
disgusting. Not surprising, but disgusting nonetheless. We
must all be more mindful that, from time to time, words
speak just as loudly as actions, and can be every bit as
damaging.

@MMcEwanBunkered

34 BUNKERED.CO.UK
 ò GET MORE bunkered.co.uk/tuition

MURRAY URQUHART

How to chip
like a tour pro
Address the ball correctly
and you’ll start getting
the ball nearer the hole
PHOTOS KENNY SMITH

C
HIPPING IS NOT an overly
complicated movement, but
it can become complicated
if you’re in the wrong position to
start with. Set-up is key.
All good players favour
having nearly all their weight Try and keep your
on their left leg because it chest directly over
positions their chest directly the ball and turn
over the ball. You should try and your hips through
keep your chest over the ball the shot, above.
when chipping. As soon as you
move your chest off the ball,
you’re in trouble.

NO TRANSFER
In your normal swing, you’re
trying to transfer your weight
from your right side onto your
left side. But with chipping, you
don’t want a weight shift. You
simply take a narrow stance
with your feet pointing in front
of the ball. That just helps you
get your weight onto your
left and keep it there. It also
encourages your hips to turn
through the ball very subtly.

KEY POINTS
• Weight favours left leg 60/40
• Toes point just in front of the
ball
• Get your chest directly over
the ball
• Keep that body position when Notice how my feet
you move the club back are pointing in front
of the ball. My hands
As you swing through, the are also ahead of the
control of the movement is very ball and the clubhead.
much around your belt buckle.
All you’re trying to do is turn
your belt buckle through to
face the target. That movement
alone will pull the clubhead
back into the ball. You don’t
have to think about using your
hands and arms - your set-up
dictates the movement. Just
MURRAY URQUHART
get your belt buckle to turn Teaching professional, The Nairn Golf Club. For lessons,
and face the target and your call 01667 453 208 murrayurquhartgolf.com
shoulders and arms will follow
in unison.

36 BUNKERED.CO.UK

STEVE JOHNSTON
The trick to holing 18” putts is... confidence
How to eliminate the pressure of those ‘must make’ short putts
Y
OU ARE EXPECTED
to hole an 18-inch putt.
There’s a perception
that you’re meant to hole
out every time but we
know putting is never that
simple.
There’s a lot a pressure
on a putt of this length
but there’s no need to
get worked up or worried
about missing from this
PHOTOS KENNY SMITH
distance.
Set some string up 18
inches from the hole (see
above, inset). As you can
see, the margin for error
is much greater than you
think but a confident stroke
38 BUNKERED.CO.UK
almost forces you to just
pop it in and take the
miss out of the equation.
This drill is about getting
yourself into position so
you can see the miss to the
left or to the right. It gives
you a better understanding
of why you should be
positive and not tentative.
THE DRILL
This a confidence drill.
You don’t have to be so
accurate. It shows you that
you can pull or push the
putt just a little and still
hole it. All this drill does
is highlight the margin for
SHOT ON LOCATION AT LAS COLINAS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB / LASCOLINASGOLF.ES
ò GET MORE bunkered.co.uk/tuition
Set your string up 18 inches from
the hole and knock in as many
putts as you can to instil a more
positive approach to short putts.
error you have, thus forcing
you to be more confident.
Stand up and roll them
up one after another, and
hit as many as you can.
When you’re on the golf
course, try and visualise
the cone that you’re putting
through. When you start
picturing that in your head,
it’ll make you feel more
confident in your stroke -
and confidence in putting
is everything. STEVE JOHNSTON
It should also prevent Head Professional,
you from getting ‘yippy’ Peebles Golf Club
and will stop you trying to 01721 720197
trickle the ball into the hole.
Bash it in. Be confident. @sjohnstonpga

When I swing back,
I want my thumbs
on both hands to be
pointing to the sky
- that’s how I know
I’ve hinged properly.
SCOTT CLARK
Use this checkpoint for your swing plane
Refine simple movements - such as wrist hinge - by using this tip
T
HE AIM OF THE
BACKSWING is to put
the club and you in a
position in which you can
then swing down at the ball
with power and accuracy.
The clubhead goes from
ground level up and
behind your head.
For the clubhead to get
to this position, we need a
hinge to support the move
PHOTOS KENNY SMITH
upwards, as turning your
shoulders will take care
of putting the clubhead
behind you.
That hinge movement
is produced by the wrists.
Producing the correct
40 BUNKERED.CO.UK
movement with the wrists
and controlling the weight
of the clubhead during the
backswing is no guarantee
of success, but simple
movements are easier
to refine and with a bit of
practice will lead to better
consistency, which is every
golfer’s dream.
THUMBS UP
In order to get my wrists
working correctly, as the
hinge that works the club
up, I try to get my thumbs
pointing upwards as the
club reaches the midway
point in my backswing.
SHOT ON LOCATION AT LAS COLINAS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB / LASCOLINASGOLF.ES
ò GET MORE bunkered.co.uk/tuition
WATCH OUR
GEAR REVIEWS
Get the verdict on the
latest gear direct from
If they are pointing to the the bunkered team
sky so, too, must the shaft youtube.com/bunkered
of the club. This is your
checkpoint.
It’s a simple but very
effective drill that you can
work on during practice as
you look to get used to the
correct feelings during the
swing.
SCOTT CLARK
Director of Golf, Prestonfield Golf Club. For lessons, call
Scott on 0131 667 8597. @ScottClarkPGA
INSIDE THE
TURNBERRY
LIGHTHOUSE
Come with us as we go through the keyhole of one
of the most famous properties in world golf

WORDS MICHAEL McEWAN PHOTOS PSP MEDIA GROUP LTD / SUPPLIED

TURNBERRY LIGHTHOUSE

WATCH OUR
EXCLUSIVE VID!
Our man Michael
McEwan takes a tour of
the new lighthouse...
youtube.com/bunkered

The main living quarters in the lighthouse are located on the lower level and, like pretty much everything, it has been largely built from new.
Only the staircase and bannister are original. Renowned interior designer Mary Fox Linton sourced all of the items, deciding on a subtle, nautical
theme throughout. Guests can enjoy relaxing in front of the 60-inch Samsung curved TV screen, whilst sipping a very rare, very new wine from a
vineyard to Eric Trump, son of the resort’s owner and current US president Donald Trump.

The Halfway House takes up the back

The Halfway House terrace is a perfect place to relax mid-round
on a sunny day. Incidentally, the lighthouse itself is still fully
operational. Despite having lain uninhabited since the 1980s,
the light itself still functions and is powered by solar panels.
lower portion of the lighthouse. Tastefully
furnished with leather seats and with floor-
to-ceiling windows, it offers stunning views
out across the sea towards Ailsa Craig,
Arran and beyond. Golfers are welcome
to stop here and have a bite to eat or
something to drink before resuming their
round. An egg-timer at the counter, right, is
set to ten minutes to ensure that that there
are no unnecessary hold-ups on the course.

44 BUNKERED.CO.UK
TURNBERRY LIGHTHOUSE

The Presidential Suite is the more senior of the two bedrooms in the lighthouse, both of which are located in the upstairs part of it. Matching the
bedrooms in the main hotel, it is tastefully furnished in rich mahogany and gold leaf, complemented by locally sourced fabrics and furnishings.
Fun fact: the lighthouse dates to 1873 and was built by family members of Robert Louis Stevenson. Conseuqently, plans are now afoot to source
early editions of some of his most famous works - Kidnapped, Treasure Island and the like - for guests of the lighthouse to enjoy.

Whilst slightly smaller and offering a golf course rather than

sea view, the second suite is furnished in the same style as the
Presidential Suite. Both en suite bathrooms, meanwhile, feature
stunning free-standing baths, where you can soak and gaze out of
the window at the waves crashing onto the rocks below.

The Presidental Suite’s terrace sits directly above the Halfway House
and enjoys the same spectacular view. Of course, such luxury doesn’t
come cheap, with prices starting from £3,500 per night. It’s pricey -
but worth it.

46 BUNKERED.CO.UK
48 BUNKERED.CO.UK
 PHOTOS EVE CONROY

HUNT
DOWN
GREENS
FORGET THE FLAG - TO SCORE BETTER, YOU NEED
TO START FINDING MORE GREENS BY DAVID ORR

TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE 49
 1 ATHLETIC SET-UP
YYou’re
ou’re not looking
llookin
for a completely
completely
straight line.
linee. A ccurve
BE NATURAL AND LET
YOUR ARMS HANG near the topp is fine
fi
but you do want to
Always try to create a more athletic pressure
feel pressur re at the
t
set-
se t up, as this helps facilitate a more
set-up, base of your back.
youur bac
dynami
dynamic micc mo
movement. Posture do does
es
affect the path of the club and you
have to be aware of that pre-swing.
When it comes to posture, you’re
not looking for a perfectly straight
liline. Th
There will
ill bbe a curve att th
the
top but with pressure at the base
of the back. You can see that
with the ruffling of my shirt.
You can also see that my pelvis
is sitting slightly back with
more tilt and more knee flex.
I’m also trying to keep my hand If your arms hang
line inside my chin line. I want naturally, then they’ll
my arms to hang naturally tuck under or just
from a postural position. inside your chin. Now
you’re in a natural
but athletic position.

ooo

SET-UP

50 BUNKERED.CO.UK
 2
Your clubhead should
initiate the first
move, then the body

YOUR CLUB
starts to rotate.

MOVES FIRST
THINK ‘CLUB FIRST -
BODY SECOND’
Let the clubhead initiate the
takeaway first, then the bo ody
body
starts to rotate. Here,
Here
re, yo
you can
see that the clubhead has moved
before the hands - and that’s not
only important for the kinematics
of the swing but for creating good
tempo. ThThe clubhead
l bh d iis always
l
first, then the body follows.
A better sequence and takeaway,
for me, is absolutely key.
Don’t rush this point of your
swing. The only part of my swing
where I’m looking for speed
is on the way down. You don’t
need it here. You should be
thinking about tempo and rhythm
YES to set your swing up here.

ooo

FIRST MOVE

If your body moves
first, chances are
your impact location
and the low point of
the arc is going to be
behind the ball. You’ll
either hit it extremely
fat or very thin.
BIG MISTAKE
Some people make the cardinal
mistake of the clubhead being
on the ground but the first
move is their body initiating
the takeaway. That’s the bbig ig
thingg yo
youu ne
need
ed to
to change
h if
you are guilty of this. You must
get your sequence right.
Are you
y club first or bodyy first?
You’re not going to hit many
greens if you are bbodyd fifirst.
Instead, you’re going
to mess with angle of
attack on the ground.

NO
TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE 51
 ooo

BACKSWING

3 TRY TO ROTATE
YOUR BODY
IMAGINE BEING IN A CYLINDER
During my transition at the
top, where I reach the top of
my swing and start to work my
way do
down
wn iinto
nto the ball, I like too
imagine that I am coiling inside
a cylinder. If I mistakenly start
my swing with my body and not
my clubhead, I’ll be out of sync Imagine you are
andd wouldld not bbe able
bl to swing i restricted in moving
within this pretend cylinder. But to your left and right
with the correct sequence, I can by being in some kind
now get a tight coil. This keeps
of cylinder. Doing so
forces you to rotate
my swing nice and centered,
and not shift laterally.
allowing me to simply rotate.
Good iron players don’t move
laterally - they spin around their
own axis. That’s why imagining
that you’re in some kind of
cylinder helps you coil and rotate
instead of shifting laterally.

If you don’t
rotate properly,
chances are
you’ll remain
rooted to the
ground and
throw the TOP 5
club down People can easily get disillusioned by looking at ShotLink
at the ball. data. They’ll hit a 6-iron and will moan about ‘only’ getting to
30 feet. But if you do that constantly, 24ft from 170-210 yards,

NO you’re in the top five in the world. The middle of the green is
your friend. Aim for the middle of the green every single time
and you will be ahead of the rest. Then it’s a putting game.

52 BUNKERED.CO.UK
 COMING INTO
IMPACT 4
GET YOUR CLUB
ON THE INSIDE
You always hear people talking
about getting their club on ththee
inside. If you com
me fr
come froom the
from
outside, you’ll spray the ball
about - and that won’t help you
hit greens. To get the right angle
of attack and club path, your
club
l b needs d to come iinto the
h bballll
from the inside. Here’s how to do
that. As you pull down, get your
right shoulder behind your left in
relation to you target line and tuck
that right elbow into your right
side. As you make your way into
impact, you want your right side
to be behind your left side. I see
a lot of people letting their chest
and arms come over the ball. I
like to feel as though my right
elbow is leading the move with
the right shoulder behind the left.

ooo

DOWNSWING

Get your right

elbow in with
your shoulder
back. That
improves your
swing plane
and makes sure
you’re hitting
the ball from
the inside.
side.

54 BUNKERED.CO.UK
 FREE SPECTATOR ENTRY

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5 CLEAR YOUR
LEFT SIDE
ALWAYS BE AWARE OF YOUR
FINISHING POSITION
When I make contact with the ball,
I lilike
k to imagine I’m hitting against
a walll on
on my left side. This force
cess
forces
me to think about rotating, clearing
my left side, and stops me from
shifting laterally to my left, which
we’ve looked at previously.
I want theh feeling
f li off fifiring
i my left hip
l f hi
backwards - not towards the target.
I want to clear the swing. What helps
that move with the hip is to have
your left foot slightly open. That
simple move actually opens out your I want my right knee
left hip to start with, which makes it to shift towards the
easier to pivot around your left side. target, and not stay
If you don’t clear your left side rooted to its position,
and pivot round, you’ll get because then I’m
stuck and you won’t hit many looking at a static
greens from that point. move, which I don’t
want. Remember: you
want to be athletic.

ooo

IMPACT

5
Notice how my hands are
leading the clubhead,
with forward shaft angle
compression. That’s going
to improve my chances of
This drill explains the relationship between
betwee the
solid ball striking, which

HEADER HEAD
upper body and lower body. When I put the club
is what you’re going
into the belly button, swing back and then swing
to need if you want to
down, as I get the club down I don’t want the
hit greens regularly.
arms to separate, because then the club gets
detached from the body. You want the arms in
and your body pivoting through - all connected. DAVID ORR
Head Professional, Eastwood Golf Club
01355 500285
@DavidOrrGolfer
56 BUNKERED.CO.UK
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 bunkered.co.uk/kingsofdistance • #kingsofdistance

58 BUNKERED.CO.UK
 THIS WAS
TRULY EPIC
Callaway’s incredible Kings
of Distance event visited
Scotland for the first time -
see bunkered.co.uk for more!

C
ALLAWAY, St Andrews Links and
bunkered joined forces to bring a
truly EPIC golf event to Scotland.
Now in its fourth year, ‘Kings Of
Distance’ visited the Home of Golf
for the first time in May, giving club
golfers the opportunity to improve
their games, gain yardage through
the bag, whilst rubbing shoulders with
European Tour stars.
One hundred golfers from across
the country were invited to St Andrews
for a whole day packed full of fun and
unique activities.
Those selected enjoyed a variety
of first-class tuition, including an
individual lesson with top coach and
Sky Sports Golf pundit Denis Pugh, a
driving clinic with World Long Drive
champion Joe Miller, a long game clinic
with Women’s World Long Drive champ
Sandra Carlborg, and clinics from
leading Callaway Tour Pros, including
Nicolas Colsaerts, Marc Warren and
Sebastian Gros.
They were also taken through the
Callaway custom fitting process and
given the chance to try all of the
brand’s latest irons and hybrids, as well
as the full range of Odyssey putters.
As if all that wasn’t enough, they
were also allowed access to the iconic
Callaway Tour Truck and learned about
what it takes to be a Tour Pro on TV
with Sky Sports Golf commentator
Rob Lee.
Twelve lucky winners also went
home with a brand new Callaway GBB
Epic Driver, as used on Tour by the
likes of five-time Major winner Phil
Mickelson, 2016 Masters champion
Danny Willett and European Tour star
Nicolas Colsaerts.
A Callaway spokesperson said:
“Kings of Distance is a fantastic
opportunity for ordinary golfers to
experience a day like no other and we
were hugely excited to bring the event
it to Scotland for the first time. What
better place to host the most epic
Kings of Distance to date, than the
Home of Golf itself, St Andrews.”
For more information and to see
pictures, exclusive videos and more
from the day, log-on to bunkered.
co.uk/kingsofdistance and check out
the next issue of bunkered for an
T exclusive 16-page supplement.

TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE 59
Ten-year-old Ruairidh Coltart
lines up a putt on the ninth green
at Knightswood Golf Course in
Glasgow on what was his first
outing with his dad, Bill.
 GRASsROOTS
REPORT

GOLF
BOOM?
A visit to some of the
nation’s municipal
courses shows golf is
far from in the rough -
despite what we may
be getting told...

A
WORDS MARTIN INGLIS PHOTOS PSP MEDIA GROUP

S MEMBERSHIP NUMBERS
continue to decline
and governing bodies
acknowledge the many
challenges they’re facing
in the times ahead, the
mainstream media would have
you believe that the future is
bleak for golf, with headlines
painting the game we love as ‘in crisis’ or,
worse yet, ‘dying’.
But a visit to your local municipal course
will tell you a completely different story.
Golf on these courses is thriving - and few
places are enjoying the benefits more than
Scotland’s two main cities. T
 GRASSROOTS REPORT

T In 2015, Edinburgh’s Leisure, told bunkered.

six municipal courses
averaged 27,014 rounds
played - 26% higher than
the UK-wide figure - while
last year, Glasgow saw
an average of 30,088
rounds played across its
six courses, an increase
of 21% on the national
average.
Always open to public
scrutiny, municipal courses
tend to get a bad rap,
highlighted recently in
South Lanarkshire when
there was uproar on social
media at the council’s
7% rise in annual fees for
residents and 20% for non-
residents.
But over the period
of a few weeks, we
investigated just how
important they are to their
local communities and to
Scottish golf.
SOCIAL
As the population ages,
loneliness among the
elderly is fast becoming an
epidemic.
“They’re hugely important,
especially for the elderly,
and it’s clear that they
see the benefits of being
able to play regularly at
affordable prices because,
well, you just have to
look at how healthy
most of them are. I often
get a surprise when I’m
renewing a membership
and take somebody’s date
of birth down.
“Although some may
have their usual group
they go out in, it’s great
to see friendships being
formed even at such a
late age.
“We had a guy at
Silverknowes who was
still playing nine holes at
95 and even now, despite
not being able to manage
that anymore, he still
comes down to the course
to hit a few balls and meet
his mate for a coffee. That
just typifies how important
they are.”
One of the regulars at
Carrick Knowe is Thomas

“We consider our golf

courses as a pillar of local
communities”
According to recent
research, the UK is a
country where two-fifths
of older people say that
their main source of
company is their television
and more than half of
those aged over 75 live
alone.
At Edinburgh Leisure,
through various
membership schemes
and discount cards,
they’re doing their utmost
to ensure that, through
golf and other sports,
the elderly are remaining
healthy both physically
and socially.
“We consider our golf
courses as a pillar of local
communities,” Mathew
Harper, golf operations
supervisor at Edinburgh
Waldall, 82, who plays five
times a week and pays an
annual fee of £340. What’s
more, this membership
gives him access to all
six Edinburgh Leisure
courses - Carrick Knowe,
Braid Hills, Wee Braids,
Portobello, Silverknowes
and Craigentinny - while
he pays an extra £60
subsidy to be a member
of the affiliated Carrick
Knowe Golf Club, giving
him clubhouse access
and the ability to play in
weekly medals and get a
handicap.
“I would die without
playing golf,” he says
matter-of-factly. “I give
myself just Sundays and
Tuesdays off. It’s what
keeps me going - I’ve got T
From top, left to
right, teenagers
Liam Doherty,
Ryan Houston
and Grant Wilson;
Knightswood starter
Gerard McGovern
sitting at his desk;
member at Carrick
Knowe for almost
50 years Thomas
Waldall; Carrick
Knowe starters
Alan Pettigrew and
Caroline Black;
couple Paul and
Fiona Barber.

62 BUNKERED.CO.UK
 GRASSROOTS REPORT
‘LOOK LOWER DOWN THE
SPECTRUM AND YOU GET QUALITY’
The economic value of golf
tourism to Scotland is up
30% over the last decade
to £286m per year – and
who would have thought the
nation’s municipal courses
had a part to play in that?
Particularly popular is
Braid Hills, which boasts
memorable views down the
East Lothian coast, towards
Edinburgh Castle and beyond.
“While a lot of overseas
groups come to play some of
the area’s top courses, there
are also those that come to
do sightseeing without golf
being the sole purpose of
the trip and just want to play
once,” explains Mathew Harper.
“Here, we can offer them
that at a reasonable price.”
z TO PLAY AT
BRAID HILLS
Green fee £25.30
Trolley hire £4.50
Golfers that come to Club hire £19.25
Edinburgh with no equipment 3 x balls £3.30
can get fully kitted out at Braid 3 x tees £3.60
Hills for less than £60 thanks Total £55.95
to club and trolley hire services
– which is deemed excellent
value for money by visitors.
“No course has the views
we have and, because the
course dates back to 1889,
it fits into the historical
aspect of Edinburgh – that’s
priceless,” says John Menzies,
starter at Braid Hills.
“You’ve got your Turnberry’s,
your St Andrews’, but you
can look lower down the
price spectrum and get real
quality. If you’re in Edinburgh,
it’s perfect, and you’re going
to get a good grounding to
playing Scottish courses here.”

The view from the 18th tee at

Braid Hills Golf Course, which
boasts views towards the city
centre and beyond.

T my golf and my garden.
“I’ve been playing here
for nearly 50 years now as
I took up golf here when
I was 34. I’d never even
thought about taking it up
before then. My brother-in-
law took me out one day
and it was incredible. I’ve
never had a lesson but I
could do with one now!”
It’s 10.30am on a
Thursday morning and
the small reception area
is bustling with golfers
meeting up for a coffee
ahead of their rounds,
before laughter breaks
out and Thomas is being
grappled jokingly by
starter Alan Pettigrew,
himself just in from a quick
few holes before starting
work at 11am.
What is evident in a
short time observing is
the bond Alan and his
colleague Caroline Black
have built up with their
regular customers, and
he explains that he sees
the building of those
relationships as a key part
of his job.
“It makes it much easier
for the golfers to come in if
you’ve got a good rapport
with them,” he said.
“Some of the guys, when
they first came in here,
were really quite timid and
didn’t say much but once
you get to know them, you
see a completely different
and good side.
“And you don’t half
hear some stories. The
stories they have, you’re
just sitting there giggling
and most of the time you
go home with sore ribs
because you’ve giggled
that much.
“But you can tell golf is
hugely important for them.
Obviously if you just sit
in your house, your body
shuts down.
“I’ve seen it many times
in my working life with
guys that retire and then,
six months later, they’re
sadly no longer with
us.”
MEMBERSHIPS
With both Edinburgh
Leisure and Glasgow
Life keen to stress the
importance of living an
active and healthy lifestyle,
other affordable golf
membership options have
been created that includes
links with other council-
owned facilities.
“Because we’re tied
in with leisure centres,
we can offer a huge
range of products from
free memberships for
U12s, cheaper rates for
young adults, significant
discounts for seniors and
discount cards that allow
people to use our gyms,
swimming pools and golf
courses for a reduced fee,”
adds Mathew Harper.
“For example, a great
product we have is an
over-75s discount card,
which allows people to
play golf at effectively
half price and also free
swimming. T

64 BUNKERED.CO.UK
 GRASSROOTS REPORT
T “We have a lot of tie-ins
and although we want as
many people playing golf,
it’s important that we’re
helping the people of
Edinburgh stay as active
as possible.”
Similar schemes are in
place in Glasgow. With a
Glasgow Club card, which
is available at no monthly
cost, users can get 10%
off green fees and season
ticket costs, while those
over the age of 60 can
get almost 50% off an
annual subscription, which
covers its six courses of
Littlehill, Lethamhill, Linn
Park, Alexandra Park,
Knightswood and Ruchill.
Edinburgh Leisure even
recently set-up its own
golf club due to demand
from users who didn’t
want to join an affiliated
club but wanted an official
handicap.
For an extra £25, golfers
can join the Edinburgh
“People tend to have a negative view of
what a municipal course is like”
Leisure Golf Club and
play in bi-monthly medals
at any of the six affiliated
courses and get just that.
And that’s something
which was of great interest
to recently retired couple
Paul and Fiona Barber,
who were so satisfied with
what Edinburgh Leisure
had to offer that they didn’t
hesitate to make both of
their temporary winter
memberships permanent.
“We joined the
Edinburgh Leisure Golf
Club over the winter
because it gave us the
chance to get a handicap
and also the ability to play
all six Edinburgh courses,
which really impressed
me,” explained Fiona, 59.
“We initially expected to
be members just over
winter but the people have
made us feel so welcome
that we’ve decided to
keep going.
66 BUNKERED.CO.UK
“We’re effectively
getting six memberships
for the price of one and
we’ve played so much golf
over the winter compared
to normal that we’re
feeling fitter than ever for
this time of year.”
QUALITY
A generalisation often
made about publically-
owned courses is that
they lack the same quality
of a private course and
are frequently targets of
anti-social behaviour.
And while councils
will be the first to admit
they must work around
constant cost-cutting
and to stringent budgets,
the view from workers
and users alike are
that this stereotype is
misconceived.
“I would dispute that
completely,” adds Fiona,
who was keen to stress
her pleasant surprise
at the condition of the
courses. “We’ve played a
couple of courses recently
– one in West Lothian and
one in Fife – and I’d say
these match up to them.”
Move west to Glasgow
and the opinion remains
the same.
“I wouldn’t say it’s
snobbery but people
tend to have a negative
view of what a municipal
course is like,” said Gerard
McGovern, starter at
Knightswood Golf Course.
“But I’ve had guys come
here who are members
of private clubs and they
say that the condition at
Knightswood can be better
than what it’s like at their
club.
“It’s pretty flat here but
at the 18-hole courses like
Littlehill and Lethamhill,
where I’ve also worked, I
think people are surprised
by how tricky they are.”
For 48-year-old Bobby
Martin, who works on a
cruise ship off Australia for
eight months of the year,
Lethamhill is the perfect
retreat and where he
spends a large chunk of
his time when he’s home
and while his wife is at
work.
“I’ve got absolutely
no interest in paying for
membership at a private
club because it costs far
too much money and I
can’t justify it when I’m only
here for a limited time,” he
said. “So that means I play
here at Lethamhill and I’ve
got to say, it’s fantastic.
“To me, it has everything
you could ask for. It’s got
its challenges, its long
holes and it’s in a nice
environment. It’s not noisy,
not overcrowded and it’s
well maintained.
“Improvements are
always being made, too,
and you can’t ask for much
more than that.”
GET INTO GOLF
That’s a view shared at
Lethamhill by friends Liam
Doherty, Ryan Houston
and Grant Wilson, all of
whom are 17. Currently,
thanks to owning a
Glasgow Young Scot Card
(eligible for 12-18-year-
olds), they can all play golf
for free at any of the city’s
six municipal courses.
The card encouraged
both Ryan and Grant to
take up the game just
a few months ago and,
without it, they doubt they
would have been keen to
play in the first place.
“At a lot of clubs, you’re
looking at annual fees
of around £500 when
you turn 18 and you just
can’t afford it,” says Grant.
“Unless you can play every
Saturday, I’d say it’s not
worth it. T
 12%
The percentage of courses
in Scotland that are
Mowers sit outside
the clubhouse at
Carrick Knowe

publicly-owned

TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE 67
 GRASSROOTS REPORT

Clockwise from top

left, Bill Coltart and
his son Ruairidh
after finishing
their round at
Knightswood;
entrance to Braid
Hills Golf Course and
reception building;
some history at
Knightswood;
outside Carrick
Knowe Golf Club
- one of two clubs
affiliated to Carrick
Knowe Golf Course.

T “That’s why you might
as well play here, while it’s
free, get better and maybe
at some point in the future
we’ll enjoy golf enough
and be able to afford to
join a private club where
it’s going to be worth the
money.”
But with less than two
years until they turn 19,
when they will no longer
be eligible for free golf, are
they concerned that they
could be lost to the game
so soon after taking it up?
“I wouldn’t say we’ll be
lost to golf but the reality
is we probably won’t end
up playing as much,” adds
Ryan.
“I’d probably just pay for
single rounds rather than a
membership so I’d imagine
it’ll be around once a
month.
“But until then, we’re
quite happy playing here
because, with the Young
Scot Card, it’s free and the
course tends to always be
in good condition.”
The notion that
municipal courses are
ideal facilities for those
new to golf was further
epitomised down the ninth
fairway at Knightswood,
where ten-year-old
Ruairidh Coltart – dressed
casually in trainers, jeans
and a hoodie – was
enjoying a round with his
dad, Bill, 59.
It was Ruairidh’s first trip
to the golf course having
pestered his dad for a
while to take him along
and, bounding excitedly
up and down the fairway
hitting shots with his
orange ball, it was clear to
see that he was enjoying
himself.
“I started here when I
was ten-years-old as well,”
recalls Bill, who himself
was enjoying his first
round in years. In what has
become an all too familiar
scenario, he had been
forced to end his £800
annual membership at one
club in the Glasgow area
after only managing two
rounds in his final year
due to work and family
commitments.
“Here is fantastic
z GLASGOW
Lethamhill - £10.90
Littlehill - £10.90
Linn Park - £10.90
Alexandra Park
(9 Holes) - £10.90
Knightswood
(9 Holes) - £10.90
Ruchill (9 Holes)
- £10.90
z EDINBURGH
Braid Hills - £25.30
Carrick Knowe - £23.30
Craigentinny - £23.30
Silverknowes - £23.30
Portobello
(9 Holes) - £23.30
Wee Braids
(9 Holes) - £23.30
*All prices are for
18 holes/weekdays

68 BUNKERED.CO.UK
because it’s right on
our doorstep and, to
be honest, it’s perfect
in terms of value for
money – it’s ridiculous
relative to what you pay
at some places.
“He’s [Ruairidh] just
been getting lessons
from me at the moment
but the next stage is for
him to get some proper
lessons. But he’s got
good natural ability and
this is a great course for
him to get started and
enjoy the game.
“Hopefully, in a few
years’ time, he’ll still be
interested and be able
to come along here with
his friends and play.”
For those getting
into golf like Ruairidh
and teenagers Ryan
and Grant, to members
of almost 50 years
like Thomas and his
friends, it’s evident that
municipal courses are
providing an important
service to golfers of
all ages and abilities
across Scotland.
And, with the various
discounts and card
schemes offered by
Edinburgh Leisure
and Glasgow Life that
include links with other
sports facilities making
golf more affordable
and accessible, it’s
arguably never been
easier to pick up the
clubs. „
TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE 69
A NEW LEVEL
OF TOUGHNESS
Think the US Open is difficult? You ain’t seen nothing yet...
WORDS MICHAEL McEWAN PHOTOS GETTY IMAGES

70 BUNKERED.CO.UK
 US OPEN
COUNTDOWN
B
OBBY JONES SUMMED IT UP BEST
when he said: “Nobody ever wins the
US Open. Somebody else just loses
it.” That’s coming from a man who got
his hands on the famous trophy on
four separate occasions. Jones isn’t
the only top golfer to have articulated
his thoughts on the strong challenge
posed by the year’s second major.
Far from it. Seve Ballesteros, whose best finish in the
championship came when he finished third in 1987, once
famously described it as ‘defensive golf, from the first tee
to the last putt’. Tom Weiskopf, a runner-up in 1976, called it
‘not fun’, whilst Jerry McGee, a four-time winner on the PGA
Tour between 1975 and 1979, opined that playing in the US
Open was like ‘tippy-toeing through hell’.
The difficulty is almost entirely man-made, a product of
the United States Golf Association’s determination to make
the golf course as difficult and as testing as they possibly
can. Those aren’t our words, incidentally, but those of
former winner Jim Furyk.
The USGA, led by its executive director and CEO Mike
Davis, has what some have described as a ‘fascination’
with par. Unlike other championships, and other majors for
that matter, it sets up its US Open courses in such a way
that something close to level-par should be a target score,
as opposed to a four-day carnival of birdies and eagles.
They’re good at it, too. In the ten years from 2006 to
2016, the cumulative winning score at the US Open has
been 63-under-par, helped in no small part by Rory McIlroy
going to 16-under at Congressional in 2011, a tournament
record score relative to par. By comparison, the other three
majors in the same time-frame range from 173-under-par to
238-under. T

Erin Hills in Wisconsin will this
year become the 52nd different
course to host the US Open
T Moreover, since World War II, an
over-par score has won the US Open
on 22 separate occasions. That’s
eight more times than the other
three majors combined. The 1963 US
Open, incidentally, was won by Julius
Boros with a score of nine-over-par.
Correct: over-par.
How does the USGA achieve this?
A combination of long courses, a
high cut of so-called ‘primary rough’,
undulating greens and narrow
fairways. Three of the five longest
courses in major championship
history have been US Open courses,
with this year’s host venue - Erin Hills
“A golf course of so-called standard
difficulty has a slope rating of 113.
Erin Hills’ rating is 145.”
72 BUNKERED.CO.UK
US OPEN
COUNTDOWN
- expected to become the longest. At
7,800 yards from the tips - although
it will more likely play to 7,600 - it is
almost an entire par-4 longer than
Augusta National. All four of its par-5s
exceed 600 yards, with the 663-yard
18th the longest of the lot. There are
two par-5s of over 500 yards, with
three of the four par-3s stretching
beyond 200 yards.
Despite having only opened in
2006, Erin Hills has already been
tested under tournament conditions
by the USGA, having staged the 2011
US Amateur. It also hosted the 2008
US Women’s Amateur Public Links.
Under ‘normal’ conditions, it is a
tough course. Just look at its slope
rating. Slope measures the difficulty
of a golf course on a scale measuring
from 55 (very easy) to a maximum
of 155 (extremely difficult). A course
of so-called standard difficulty has a
slope rating of 113. Erin Hills’ is 145.
That’s slightly less than Bethpage
Black (152) but greater than Oakmont
(142). However, they have been
evaluated under US Open conditions.
Erin Hills as yet hasn’t.
What’s more, unlike ‘traditional’
US Open courses like Oakmont,
Bethpage and the Olympic Club, for
example, Erin Hills is more links-like
in its design. Wisconsin native Steve
Stricker has likened it in places to
Shinnecock Hills, the host venue for
the 2004 US Open. It has next-to-no
trees, wider fairways than a typical US
Open host venue which are flanked
by a ‘sea of fescue’, huge greens,
 99396
Ryder Cup Europe

Clockwise from above
Defending champ Dustin
Johnson; Grand slam-seeking
Phil Mickelson; USGA chief
Mike Davis
T over 130 bunkers, and closely-mown
green surrounds.
Consequently, the USGA won’t be
able to grow thick, lush rough around
narrow fairways that have become so
characteristic of previous US Opens.
In that respect, Erin Hills is more like
Chambers Bay, which staged the
championship in 2015.
On that occasion, the powers-that-
be tried to maximise the challenge of
the course by firming up the course
as much as they possibly could.
The result was discoloured greens
that Henrik Stenson compared to
‘broccoli’ and slopes and contours
that sent balls shooting off in all
directions like a pinball machine.
By common consent, the USGA
got its set-up all wrong. It then
blundered again last year with its
mishandling of Dustin Johnson’s final
round penalty.
A rules official approached
74 BUNKERED.CO.UK
US OPEN
COUNTDOWN
Johnson on the 12th hole to inform
him they would be reviewing an
incident on the fifth green where his
ball appeared to move just as he was
about to putt. Never mind the fact that
Johnson - and others in contention,
such as Shane Lowry - had to play
out the tournament not being sure
of where they all stood on account
of a penalty that may or may not be
applied, the incident was criticised in
most quarters because Johnson had
dealt with the matter at the time.
Suspecting that his ball may indeed
have moved, he called over an official
for a ruling. Accepting Johnson’s
version of events and assertion that
he did not cause the ball to move - an
account corroborated by his playing
partner Lee Westwood - the official
told Johnson to play the ball as it
lay without penalty. By questioning
that ruling, the USGA was effectively
calling into question the integrity of T
‘WE’RE SO
EXCITED’
COMPETITIONS
DIRECTOR AT
ERIN HILLS, JOHN
MORRISSETT, GIVES
US THE LOWDOWN
ON THIS YEAR’S
HOST VENUE
What’s the first thing we
should know about Erin
Hills?
We’re located in the
‘Kettle Moraine’ section
of Wisconsin. It has quite
a varied topography that
came about as a result of
receding glaciers 10,000
years ago. So, when they
came to design Erin Hills,
our designers went to great
lengths to move as little
ground as possible. They
recognised the incredible
canvas that they had to work
with and tried to work with it
rather than change it.
There is some discussion
about what type of course
Erin Hills is. Some say
it’s a links; others say it’s
a parkland-links hybrid.
Which is it?
It’s difficult to categorise.
It’s not parkland, heathland
or moorland layout and,
instead, at first glance,
appears to be quite links-
like, with its tall fescue grass
and almost total lack of
trees. However, on closer
examination, it’s really not
a typical links. Our sub-soil,
for example, isn’t particularly
sandy. It’s more made up of
glacial till. It’s also a largely
aerial course. You really
have to carry your ball all the
way to the green.
You’re the first course in
Wisconsin to host the US
Open. How big an honour
is that?
It’s a great honour and
a responsibility we have
taken very seriously. We’ve
been closed all year and
won’t re-open until after the
championship to reduce
wear and tear and focus our
staff fully on the US Open.
Cont’d on p77
 Scotland = 13 (9)
England = 7 (7)
Northern Ireland = 2 (2)
Jersey = 2 (2)

USA = 82 (57)

US OPEN WINNERS
WINNERS

BY NATIONALITY
WINS

At a glance

USA 82 57
Scotland 13 9 Argentina = 1 (1)
England 7 7
South Africa 5 3
Jersey 2 2 South Africa = 5 (3)
Australia 2 2
N.Ireland 2 2
New Zealand 1 1
Germany = 1 (1)
Argentina 1 1
Germany 1 1

T two of its players as well
as the competency of
one of its own officials. In
any event, the decision
to ultimately penalise
Johnson had no real
bearing on the outcome,
serving only to trim his
final winning margin from
four shots to three. Even
so, the USGA was roundly
criticised for its handling
of the matter. “We’d really
like a Mulligan,” Davis later
admitted.
All of which explains
why there’s pressure on
them to get this year’s
championship right.
Priming the course in such
a way that it continues
to provide the type of
challenge for which the US
Open is famous without
making it unfair is a line it
will need to straddle with
care, whilst its handling of
any rules infractions will be
scrutinised intently. To be
blunt? The USGA will need
to get out of the way and
let the golf happen.
An interesting side-
note, of course, will be
Phil Mickelson’s latest
attempt to complete
the career grand slam.
The left-hander is three-
quarters of the way
there, courtesy of his
previous Masters, Open
and PGA Championship
victories. That has him
just a US Open win short
of achieving something
that only five other players
- Gene Sarazen, Ben
Hogan, Gary Player, Jack

76 BUNKERED.CO.UK
 US OPEN
COUNTDOWN
Cont’d from p74
You get one chance to make

US OPEN WINNERS a first impression, and we

want to make as good a one

BY NATIONALITY
as possible. We’re so excited.

You’ll also be the second

Where previous champs hail from
Most US Open Wins
4 Willie Anderson
4 Bobby Jones
4 Ben Hogan
4 Jack Nicklaus
3 Hale Irwin
3 Tiger Woods
Australia = 2 (2)
New Zealand = 1 (1)
1901, ‘03, ‘04, ‘05
1923, ’26, ’29, ’30
1948, ’50, ’51, ’53
1962, ’67, ’72, ’80
1974, ’79, ’90
2000, ’02, ’08
‘first-timer’ to stage
the event in the last
three years, following
Chambers Bay in 2015.
At first glance, Erin Hills
and Chambers Bay look
similar. Is it fair to make
that comparison?
Our situation is really very
different to Chambers
Bay. Whilst it’s tempting to
compare the two, there are
other comparisons that could
be made. Mike Davis, for
example, has likened Erin
Hills to Shinnecock Hills.
The grass on our greens
is different to Chambers
Bay, too. Their greens were
made of fescue. Ours are A-4
bentgrass, so I don’t really
think there should be any
cause for concern there.
How has it been working
with the USGA? How
hands-on have they
been in the run-up to this
year?
We’ve established a very
positive relationship and
found the USGA wonderful to
work with. They’ve had three
of their staff members living
and working in Wisconsin
for the last 18 months,
which I think shows their
commitment to making this
year’s US Open as strong
as it can be. This is their
championship, they know
it inside and out, so we’re
excited to work with them.

Have you had any

Nicklaus and Tiger Woods
- have managed.
He’s aware of what’s on
the line, too. After winning
the 2013 Open at Muirfield
to complete the third leg
of the grand slam, he said:
“I’m fortunate and honored
to be part of that long list
of great players who have
won three of the four, and
that’s great, but it would
mean a lot to me. I would
look at my career in a
different light.”
What complicates
matters is Mickelson’s
considerable US Open
scar tissue. He has
finished runner-up in his
national Open six times
- a championship record.
What’s more, at 46 years
of age (he turns 47 on
the day of round two),
he is rapidly running out
of opportunities to get it
done. Indeed, if he does
manage to do it, he will
replace Hale Irwin as the
oldest player ever to lift
the title. So, Mickelson
won’t have it easy in his
pursuit of history. But this
is the US Open - it doesn’t
do ‘easy’. „
guarantees that your first
go as a US Open host
venue won’t be your last?
We’ve not yet had any
discussions to that effect, no.
Naturally, our goal right now
is to make everything go so
well this year that we get a
second opportunity and, to
be honest, that’s all we’re
fixated on at the moment.
Make this year a success and
hopefully everything else
will take care of itself.

TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE 77
 US OPEN
COUNTDOWN

10
THINGS
YOU NEED
TO KNOW
ABOUT THE
US OPEN
1
If you’re looking for an
example of just how tough
the US Open is, look no
further than Tiger Woods.
The four-time winner of
the championship has
a total PGA Tour career
stroke average of 68.9.
However, his equivalent
score in the US Open
is almost three strokes
worse, at 71.7.

78 BUNKERED.CO.UK
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2
The first US Open took place
on October 4, 1895, at Newport
Golf Club in Rhode Island. Ten
professionals and one amateur
contested the championship over 36
holes on one day. England’s Horace
Rawlins shot 91 and 82 to win the title
by two strokes from Scotland’s Willie
Dunn.
3
It took 17 attempts for the first
US-born golfer to get their hands
on the title. John McDermott, from
Philadelphia, defeated fellow
Americans Mike Brady and George
Simpson at Chicago Golf Club in
1911, a year after finishing second
to Alex Smith in his home town.
Interestingly, whilst the first 16 titles
were won by foreign players, only
17 have won the tournament since.
4
The highest score ever recorded on
a single hole at the US Open is an
eye-watering 19. Poor Ray Ainsley
racked that up on the par-4 16th at
Cherry Hills in 1938. The Californian
hit his approach into a stream in
front of the green. Rather than take
a penalty drop, he went full ‘Van de
Velde’, climbed into the stream and
attempted to play from the water. As
the ball drifted with the current, he
continue to slash away at it, refusing
to take a drop. Ouch!
5
Long holes are by no means
a recent phenomenon
at the US Open. The
1912 championship
featured the first (and
so far only) par-6 in
the event’s history, the
tenth hole of the Country
Club of Buffalo stretching to
606 yards. John McDermott
successfully defended the
title that year, playing
the monster hole
in a combined
six-under-par.
80 BUNKERED.CO.UK
US OPEN
COUNTDOWN
The 2012 champion Webb Simpson
is the most recent golfer to have a
hole-in-one in the US Open
6 8
The 1979 US Open saw a tree There have been 44 holes-in-one
inserted onto the course at the in US Open history. The first of
Inverness Club between the first and those came in 1907 when Jack
second rounds. It came about after Hobens aced the 147-yard tenth at
Lon Hinkle used a gap in the trees Philadephia CC. Most recently, Webb
to take a shortcut up the adjacent Simpson – the 2012 champion – had
17th fairway to set up a birdie on the one at the 172-yard ninth hole at
eighth. When the players returned Pinehurst in 2014.
there the next day, they discovered
a 15-foot tall Black Hills Spruce
9
blocking their way.
7
Phil Mickelson isn’t the only
high-profile player to be a US Open
short of completing the career
Alex Smith claimed the 1906 US grand slam. Sam Snead, below left,
Open with an incredible a major winner on seven occasions,
33-under-par winning never managed to win his national
score. However, his championship, finishing runner-up
aggregate score was four separate times.
295. How did he
do it? Simple - the
10
1906 event
played
to a par
of 82. That’s Dustin Johnson will become just
right: eighty-two. the seventh golfer to successfully
Interestingly, his defend the championship if he wins
younger brother the US Open for a second year on
Willie Smith the spin this year. Curtis Strange did
finished second, it most recently, when he won back-
with his brother-in- to-back in 1988 and 1989. Only one
law James Maiden player, Scotland’s Willie Anderson,
finishing in a tie for has won the title three times in a row.
third. He did so in 1903, 1904 and 1905.
84 BUNKERED.CO.UK
A special insight into the
rising interest in hickory
golf across the globe

WOOD
YOU
LIKE A
GAME?
G
WORDS MICHAEL ATKINSON OLF WAS REFERENCED FOR
PHOTOS DAVID LAWRENCE / the first time in Scotland, the
‘Home of Golf’, in 1457. At that
FOREMOSTGOLFPHOTOGRAPHY.COM,
stage, the game was played
GETTY IMAGES with curved wooden clubs and
spherical wooden balls, before
AUTHOR BIO the equipment for the sport
Michael Atkinson writes on golf, whisky, evolved into iron-headed clubs
fatherhood and politics. A member of and feather balls. Fast-forward
Gullane, Bruntsfield and Boat of Garten golf to today and golfers use rubber balls and
clubs, sadly the number of memberships titanium, graphite or steel clubs.
isn’t reflected in his handicap, which is a Some, however, are now shunning the
disappointing 19. large headed clubs of today in exchange for
a glimpse of the golf of a perceived ‘golden
era’. Interest in ‘hickory golf’ (golf played with T

TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE 85
T pre 1935 wooden shafted
golf clubs) is burgeoning
in the UK, USA, Europe
and many other parts of
the world. In the early
years, hickory wasn’t the
only wood to be used to
manufacture clubs, but
‘hickory golf’ has become
the term most commonly
used to refer to the clubs
of the pre-modern era.
For some, hickory golf
is ‘retro cool’. For others,
it is an anti-modern
movement, a protest
against the development
of equipment which now
leaves legendary golf
courses to be torn up
with a drive and a wedge.
Some believe modern day
equipment has removed
the finesse and skill that
was required in days
gone by and believe that
hickory golf is how true
golf should be played.
“There is a terrific amount
of pleasure in hitting a
shot off the middle of a
hickory golf club.”
The world’s most famous
links were not designed
with the modern golf club
in mind and a growing
number of passionate
golfers see hickory as the
way to experience these
celebrated courses in their
original form.
Then there are those
for whom a hickory game
is simply a celebration
of golf’s heritage. Many
are just intrigued to play,
inspired by the quirkiness
of it all and fascinated by
the chance to test their
swing with a club that
won’t be as forgiving as
modern equipment.
Participation in hickory
golf has risen to such
an extent that there are
now numerous hickory
societies around the world
and a host of hickory
tournaments are staged
annually.
86 BUNKERED.CO.UK
Often, playing hickory
golf develops following
time spent collecting
hickory clubs in which
there is also much interest.
Last year, I met David
Kirkwood, the 2015
Scottish Hickory Open
champion and former
European captain of the
Hickory Grail (a bi-annual
hickory equivalent of
the Ryder Cup between
Europe and the USA) and
Lionel Freedman, the
chairman of the World
Hickory Open, who sadly
passed away early this
year.
David is also the
proprietor of Alexander
Kirkwood & Son, a
specialist medallist to the
world’s most recognised
golf clubs. Through this
professional work and
his personal passion for
the history of golf, David
has become a respected
collector and valuer of
golfing trophies, medals,
artwork and hickory clubs.
David started playing
hickory golf in the 1990s
after joining the British Golf
Collectors’ Society and
collecting clubs. I asked
him what appealed about
playing the hickory game.
His answer was simple.
“There is a terrific amount
of pleasure in hitting a shot
off the middle of the club
because hickory clubs are
very unforgiving,” he said.
Hickory golf exposure
was enhanced last year
at the Omega European
Masters. Miguel Angel
Jimenez, Lee Westwood
and Danny Willett played
two holes of the Golf Club
Crans-sur-Sierre with
hickory clubs. Alongside
them was Paolo Quirici,
the 2013 World Hickory T
Blast from the past
Competitors in action and
posing for the camera
during last year’s World
Hickory Open, including
former major champ Sandy
Lyle (middle right)

TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE 87
 IN THE MONEY
THERE’S MONEY TO
Sandy Lyle, a two-time World
Hickory Open champion,
BE MADE IN HICKORY
pictured in his ‘classic’ get-up, A strong auction market
and the late Lionel Freedman,
hickory enthusiast and chairman exists for hickory clubs, some
of the World Hickory Open. fetching large sums of money
if they are extremely rare.
Former Hickory Open champion
David Kirkwood explains: “You
T Open champion. Another winner of competitively in the UK ten years or can buy hickory clubs for as little
the annual World Hickory Open is so ago, the only way you could do it as five to seven pounds. However,
former major champion Sandy Lyle, was to join the British Golf Collectors’ good hickory drivers and brassies
who first claimed the title in 2014 Society,” he said. “I thought it (lofted wooden clubs fitted with
when, in his own words, he was ‘a would be nice to have an Open a brass sole plate) that people
relative hickory novice’. Last year, he where anybody could play and get want to play with will be fifty, sixty
reclaimed his title, posting a score of involved.” or seventy pounds a club, almost
two-under across 36 holes, ten shots The event has now become a up to today’s steel club prices.”
clear of the nearest competitor. must-attend for anyone interested However, rare golf clubs made
The late Lionel Freedman in hickory golf. “It’s also now more by the likes of St Andrews golf
established the event over ten years than just a golf tournament,” said club manufacturer, Hugh Philp,
ago and can be credited with much Freedman. “There’s a great social can reach over four figures and
of the recent resurrection feel to the event which more. “I’ve seen a Philp going
of hickory golf and driving people enjoy.” for £22,000,” says Kirkwood.
a renewed participation I thought it Hickory golf isn’t without Indeed, at one famous Scottish
in the game. “When I would be nice to its controversies. With golf club, David recently valued
held that first tournament, have a Hickory the rise in participation several clubs from the late 17th
around 34 people Open where has come a handful of century, estimating one at a value
played,” Freedman told anyone could play manufacturers making of £75,000 due to its “extreme,
me over lunch last year. and be involved. modern, ‘authentic
extreme rarity. Maker not known,
“I had to give out sets of hickories’. Not everyone
hickory clubs to each of believes that these it was probably made by a
the competitors and only one of them should be permitted in tournaments, blacksmith, almost from a time
was a non UK player.” suggesting they provide an unfair before we really knew about golf”.
Celebrating its tenth anniversary advantage. I asked Lionel his view He adds: “Generally speaking,
in 2015 at Carnoustie Golf Links, 115 on this. “I don’t want to put anybody manufacturers from the east
players competed, representing 18 off participating in hickory golf. These coast of Scotland have produced
different countries. At Kilspindie Golf new clubs are crafted in the same the rarest and most expensive
Club in Aberlady in 2017, entries are way as they were a hundred years clubs. Manufacturers like the
expected from players across the UK, ago. The difference is not so much in Parks of Musselburgh, the early
USA, Asia and Europe. the irons, but in the woods.” McEwan clubs with the thistle
Lionel started the event to promote No doubt the debate will continue stamp on them command a
hickory golf to a wider audience. on this subject as the popularity of fortune. From the 1820s, these
“If you wanted to play hickory golf hickory golf continues to increase. „ easily fetch five-figure sums.”

88 BUNKERED.CO.UK
PHOTOS KENNY SMITH / SHOT ON LOCATION AT LAS COLINAS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB / LASCOLINASGOLF.ES

90 BUNKERED.CO.UK
 PUTTING

HOLE
MORE
PUTTS
THIS IS EXACTLY HOW I
APPROACH PUTTING
BY ANDREW JOWETT

T
HE BEST PUTTERS tend to
keep their whole approach to
the stroke relatively simple. And
the best way to do that is to take
second-guessing out of the equation
and be a bit more instinctive than
normal. Now, when I say instinctive, I
don’t necessarily mean reactionary;
it’s more about generating greater
trust in yourself. It allows you to have
confidence in the process you are
following so that you can pull the
trigger a lot quicker.

BE CONFIDENT
The best putters constantly
demonstrate that it is so important
to gather information when you
are putting, whether that’s through
green reading or trying to work out
pace. Some of the best putters don’t
necessarily take a ‘proper’ stroke or
do things that, traditionally, you’re
supposedly meant to do when you
are putting. Brandt Snedeker’s style,
for example, is very much club down
and over it, almost right away. Some
guys aren’t as confident on the
greens and will back off, then realign
themselves, look at the hole again,
then fidget. There isn’t a confidence
or commitment that surrounds their
action. Whereas a good putter,
which Brandt certainly is, will almost
always follow a three-stage process:
align the ball, align the body, and
bang.
That’s the way I like to approach
putting. It’s simple, and it’s effective.

TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE 91
STOP GUESSWORK
A lot of what you should try to do on Mark a line on your
the putting green is remove doubt. golf ball and use this
Any kind of doubt about what you’re to line up your putt.
trying to achieve with the putter needs
to go. To grow your confidence,
you need to remove any chance of
second-guessing.

DO THIS
My advice is to set yourself three very
simple stages to go through every
single time you’re on the putting
green. If anything, the following three
tips should actually speed up your
pre-shot routine because you’re taking
out the guesswork and the hesitation.

1
You should always mark a line on
the ball, as this allows you to align
the line on the ball with where you
want the ball to start (your target). That
should become second nature. Once
you’ve done it, trust it.

2
From there, simply align your
putter to the line on the ball
and set-up making sure the
putterface is square to the ball. What
you see with a lot of poor putters
is that they have a look at the hole
then try to line their body up to the
hole, but when you’re trying to line
yourself up against something that’s
in the distance - around ten feet away
- it’s quite difficult to get all those
components aligned correctly. If you
align the ball first, then the putterface,
it is also easier to make sure you are
square on for the putt.

3
Pull the trigger. Once you’ve
aligned yourself, there’s nothing
left to think about other than 1
executing the shot. Just pull the trigger.
Working out pace comes from feel,
practice, and your own intuition, and
you should have worked that out long
before you’ve started your pre-shot
routine.

One of the best putters on tour has one of the simplest putting strokes. Brandt Snedeker, left, employs what he calls a
‘pop-style’ stroke, which he has referred to online as a ‘throwback’ style. But it’s not really his technique that’s to be
admired. It’s the routine around it. His stroke is quick and his approach to the stroke is quick. Jason Day, renowned for
being a slow player, actually has a fairly standard putting routine which he never deviates from yet rarely gets credit for.
He led the Strokes Gained - Putting stats last year, with Snedeker back in 33rd position. Strokes Gained, in its simplest
form, is the amount of strokes a player gains on the field due to their superior putting ability.

92 BUNKERED.CO.UK
Next... simply line
up your putter to
the ball and make
sure you are square
to the target.

You’re lined up and

ready to go, so no
need to question
anything. Just
pull the trigger.

2 3

TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE 93
94 BUNKERED.CO.UK
 SPECIAL
REPORT

EVERY YEAR, 100,000

NEW CASES OF SKIN
CANCER ARE DIAGNOSED
IN THE UK. GOLFERS
ARE ONE OF THE
GROUPS MOST ‘AT RISK’
OF DEVELOPING THE
DISEASE. IT’S TIME WE
DISCUSSED THE GAME’S

WORDS MICHAEL McEWAN PHOTOS GETTY IMAGES

TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE 95
B
Y THE TIME YOU
FINISH reading this,
somebody somewhere
will have received the
devastating news that
they have skin cancer.
Inevitably, the words
will hang in the air,
suspended in an instant
of horrified disbelief as their impact and
implications sink in.
Skin cancer has become the most
common form of cancer in the UK, with
100,000 new cases diagnosed every
year. In the US, that number exceeds four
million, with between 40% and 50% of all
Americans who live to be 65 expected to
develop some form of the disease.
Recent research has identified golfers
as one of the groups most ‘at risk’ of skin
cancer and yet so many who play the
game remain blissfully ignorant as to either
its causes or the likelihood of contracting it.
It is time for that ignorance to end.
BROADLY SPEAKING, there are three
main different types of skin cancer. The
most common (and mildest) of these
is Basal Cell Carcinoma. It is a cancer
that grows on parts of your skin that are
exposed to a lot of sun, particularly your
nose and face. They typically start off as
small, shiny bumps and have a tendency
to grow slowly. They are also unlikely to
spread to other parts of your body.
The second most common form of
skin cancer is Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
Again, it’s usually found on areas of the
body damaged by UV rays - either from
the sun or tanning beds - and is a fairly
slow-growing skin cancer. Unlike other
forms, it can spread to the tissues, bones
and nearby lymph nodes, which makes
treatment more difficult. However, caught
early enough, it’s eminently treatable.
Then there’s the third type: melanoma. It
is the most dangerous form of skin cancer,
which develops when unrepaired damage
to skin cells - mostly caused by UV rays
- triggers genetic defects that cause the
skin cells to multiply rapidly and form
malignant tumours. According to Cancer
Research UK, there are 15,419 new cases
of melanoma skin cancer diagnosed in
the UK every year, of which as many as
two-thirds are associated with exposure
to UV radiation from the sun.
Mortality rates for the disease have more
than tripled since the 1970s, with around
2,500 deaths - approximately seven per
“Golfers receive an estimated 217 times
the amount of UV radiation required to
cause sunburn over the course of a year.”
96 BUNKERED.CO.UK
day - recorded in the UK in 2014. Cancer
Research UK estimates that one in 54
people will be diagnosed with malignant Justin Thomas applying a
spray-on sun cream during the
melanoma in their lifetime. first round of the 2016 Masters
Skin cancer is also an extremely
indiscriminating disease. Anybody can get
it. The risk, though, is thought to be higher
amongst people with: fair skin and/or light-
coloured eyes; an abundance of large and
irregularly-shaped moles; a family history
of skin cancer; and a history of excessive
sun exposure or blistering sunburns.
Those who have lived at high altitudes or
with year-round sunshine and those who
have received radiation treatments are
also a ‘high risk’ group.
So, too, are golfers. According to one
study, professional golfers receive an
estimated 217 times the amount of UV
radiation required to cause sunburn over
the course of a year. Likewise, typical club
golfers can receive as much as 5.4 times
the amount of UV exposure required to
cause sunburn for every single hour that
they’re on the course.
That’s relevant because, without taking
appropriate preventative measures,
such as applying sun cream and so on,
a golfer’s skin can and will burn when
exposed to such high levels of radiation -
and, according to a 2014 report published
in the US, five serious cases of sunburn
can increase the risk of developing skin
cancer by up to 80%.
There’s also this. Men over the age of
40 have the highest annual exposure to
UV radiation, with the majority of people
diagnosed with melanoma being white
men over the age of 50.
Melanoma, meanwhile, is one of only
three cancers with an increasing mortality
rate amongst men.
The upside - and there is an upside - is
that 99% of all skin cancers are curable.
Again, according to Cancer Research UK,
Approximately 90% of people who are
diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer
will live for a further ten or more years.
But early detection is critical. Knowing what
to look for, where to look for it and then
having the good sense and courage to
get it checked could, quite literally, be the
difference between life and death.
PERHAPS UNSURPRISINGLY, given
the amount of time they spend on the
golf course and practice range, many
professional golfers have been diagnosed
with skin cancer down the years.
Less than two years before he won the T
 SKIN CANCER

SPOT THE SIGNS

KNOW
YOUR
A,B,C,D,Es

A
SYMMETRY
When checking
your moles or
freckles, draw an imaginary
line through the middle
and compare the two
halves. If they don’t
look the same on both
sides, have it checked
by a dermatologist.

B
ORDER
If the border of
edges of a mole,
freckle or spot are ragged,
blurred or irregular, get
it checked. Melanoma
lesions quite often have
uneven borders.

C
OLOUR
A mole that does
not have the same
colour throughout ought
to be checked by a doctor.
Normal moles are usually
a single shade of colour;
a mole of many shades
or that has lightened or
darkened over time
needs further
examination.

D
IAMETER
Is the diameter
of the mole
larger than the eraser
on the end of a pencil?
If so, get it checked.

E
VOLVING
Any mole that is
changing over time
- in other words, shrinking,
getting larger, changing
colour, starting to itch,
starting to bleed - should
be checked. Likewise, if
a portion of it appears to
have raised from the skin,
it should again be checked.
Melanoma lesions often
grow in size or change
height rapidly.

TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE 97
SKIN CANCER
8 WAYS TO
STAY SAFE
IN THE
SUN
1
Get an early or late tee
time to avoid the sun when
it is at its most intense
(between 10am and 4pm).
2
Seek shade whenever you
can by standing under a
tree or sitting in a buggy.
3
Wear a hat with a brim that
extends three inches or
more all the way around.
This will provide shade to
your face, neck, ears and
the tops of your shoulders.
4 T
Cover as much of your
skin as possible by
wearing long-sleeve
tops and trousers.
5 South African Rory Sabbatini had
Wear wraparound
sunglasses that block out
as much UV radiation as
possible. This will protect
your eyes, eyelids and
surrounding areas.
6 Early in 2007, just a matter of months
Protect yourself even when
it’s overcast. Up to 80%
of the sun’s UV radiation
can penetrate clouds
and damage your skin.
7 removed.
Apply water-resistant
sun cream with an SPF
of 30 or higher at least
30 minutes before you
tee off. An SPF 30+ lip
balm is also advised.
8 that point so what use was worrying?”
Re-apply your sun cream at
least every two hours and
immediately after heavy
sweating. Don’t forget
your scalp, back of your
hands and neck, and ears.
98 BUNKERED.CO.UK
Padraig Harrington’s
wife Caroline applies sun
cream to her husband
Masters, Adam Scott had a Basal Cell
Carcinoma removed from his face. The
surgery required 30 stitches and has
left the Aussie with a scar on his nose.
“The procedure made me less lazy with
applying sun protection because it was
quite painful to have removed,” he said.
a Squalous Cell Carcinoma removed
from his own face in 2010, whilst PGA
champion Jimmy Walker, English pro
Brian Davis, Tiger Woods’ former
coach Hank Haney and three-time
major winner Padraig Harrington have
also received skin cancer treatment,
Harrington on more than one occasion.
before he won his first major and less
than two years after he lost his father
to oesophageal cancer, the Irishman
had a square-inch of skin removed
from his forehead after noticing a spot
that wasn’t healing. That was the first of
four ‘things’, as he puts it, that he had
“Mine were non-melanoma,
fortunately, but of course it’s a concern
when the doctor first tells you that
there’s something they need to cut out
of you and send away to get checked,”
Harrington told bunkered. “I tried my
best not to worry about it until I got the
results. There was nothing I could do at
In the end, he got the all-clear but
admits that the experiences have
changed him. “I’m definitely a lot more
diligent about protecting my skin these
days,” he added. “In fact, if I was starting
over, that would be the main thing I’d
change. It’s not that I didn’t wear sun
cream. It’s more that I didn’t always pay
attention to just how often I needed to
apply it. I’d be more careful about that if
I got my chance again. That and wearing
sunglasses.”
Harrington has even ‘spotted a few
things’ on fellow players and caddies
that he has brought to their attention
and suggested they get checked.
“That’s just the way I am,” he said. “If
I’m in someone’s company and I see
something, I’ll say, ‘You know what,
you need to get that checked out.’ I’ll
say it to spectators, too. If I’m signing
autographs and I see somebody who’s
cooking, I’ll say to them, ‘Hey, you’d
better watch’.”
Harrington now wears sun cream
pretty much every time he’s outside. He
keeps spray-on cream by both the front
and back doors of his house and also
makes sure to carry either a spray-on
on roll-on stick - if not both - in his bag
so he has, in his words, ‘no excuses’ for
getting burned. “For a lot of people, it’s
a time thing,” he said. “You know, ‘Do I
have time to put on sun cream, go and
wash my hands and then go and get
ready?’ Most times, the answer’s ‘no’.
We don’t spend enough time warming
up, never mind anything else. But you’ve
got to make time. Catch it early and skin
cancer is very treatable. Leave it long
enough and, well, it’s a cancer and it can
spread into your body and kill you.”
He also says that attitudes towards
skin protection are changing on tour.
“Guys used to joke about Tony
Johnstone, saying that an acupuncturist T
 WIN!
HOSPITALITY TICKETS TO THE 2017
ABERDEEN ASSET MANAGEMENT
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W
E HAVE TEAMED UP WITH the
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Asset Management Scottish Open
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a typically strong field who will be out to
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Alex Noren - and you can be there to see
the action unfold. We’re giving away two
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To be in with a chance of winning this
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WHO IS THE DEFENDING
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C. JESPER PARNEVIK
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
All entries must be received no
later than June 15, 2017. Only one
› ENTER at bunkered.co.uk/competitions entry per person can be accepted.
Or send your answer, name and contact Winner will be the first correct entry
drawn after the closing date. Prize
details to: Scottish Open Comp, bunkered, is non-refundable and there is no
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TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE 99
 15,419
T wouldn’t be able to get a needle in his
neck. His skin was that hard. Coming
from Zimbabwe, he was well used to the
New cases of melanoma sun. But the way people spoke about
skin cancer diagnosed that back then, it was almost a badge of
in the UK every year. honour. It’s not like that anymore. People
are a lot more aware of the risks.”
much it knows about what players are
doing to protect themselves against the
dangers of unprotected sun exposure.
Dr Roger Hawkes, the chief medical
officer for the tour, told bunkered that a
review was undertaken last year to ‘fully
understand the issues so that we can
get our house in order’.

2,459
AS ITS PLAYERS HAVE BECOME more
aware of the dangers posed by long,
sustained exposure to the skin, the
Deaths annually in the game’s main organisations have started
UK from melanoma to put practices and procedures in place
skin cancer to both raise awareness and better
monitor the risks of skin cancer.
In 2013, the PGA Tour joined forces
“Whilst we offer screenings, we don’t
really have a handle on what other
measures players are taking, from going
for their own private screenings to
wearing sun cream,” said Hawkes. “We
don’t really know quite how seriously
they take it. This review will help to
establish that. I think we’ve got to do

90%
The proportion of
people who survive
melanoma skin cancer
for 10 or more years.
with the Skin Cancer Foundation for
precisely those purposes, creating a
promotional video featuring the likes of
Rory McIlroy, Luke Donald and Adam
Scott talking about the importance of
sun protection on the course. At the
time, Perry Robins, the president of
the charity, described the association
as a ‘natural fit’. “Both playing and
two things, in particular. One, we’ve got
to make taking preventative measures
easier to do and, two, we’ve got to
make them available.”
The screenings he refers to are
carried out multiple times per year
on-site at European Tour events by
Screen4Life, a mobile private cancer
and health screening clinic.

86%
watching golf entail a lot of time spent
in direct sunlight, so it’s important that
players and enthusiasts incorporate sun
The proportion of protection into their lives on and off the
melanoma skin cancer course,” he said.
cases that are considered The European Tour, meanwhile, is
‘preventable’ upping its game with regards to how
The screenings are non-compulsory,
non-invasive and are carried out using
a SIAscope, a hand held scanner
that provides colour ‘bitmaps’ called
SIAscans. These scans provide accurate
images of the melanin, blood, and
collagen below moles or lesions to
 SKIN CANCER

quickly and accurately evaluate how

dangerous they may or may not be. Main Philip Golding had
English golfer Philip Golding decided a skin cancer detected
at an on-site tour testing
to make use of the screening service in in 2012.
2012, not long after he became eligible Below left Steve Webster
for the European Senior Tour. It turned gets checked out by
out to be a very good decision. Screen4Life.
Below right The SIAscope
“I never expected any problems but in action.
I was immediately given a referral to
see my GP,” explained Golding. “That, in
turn, led to me visiting a dermatologist
in London, who confirmed that I had
a Basal Cell Carcinoma. I finished that
season in Mauritius and went to get the
growth cut out over the winter. It was a
relief to know that the Senior Tour can
provide such an invaluable service to
our players, who have been exposed to
the sun for 30 to 40 years.”
In 2015, he again visited the
Screen4Life team, this time at the SSE
Enterprise Senior Wales Open, where
another BCC was identified.
Dr Hawkes added: “We’ve got a duty
of care as employees of the tour to
make sure people are educated and
there’s a trickle-down benefit of that,
too. If our players are educated and
doing the right things, then the general
public will hopefully get the message,
too.”
The question is: are you? „
9 OF THE BEST
GADGETS IN GOLF
The nine products that got us all talking at the
2017 Scottish Golf Show

z
SHOT SCOPE
WRISTBAND
The first fully-automated
performance tracking system
for golf, Shot Scope’s ingenious
wristband – adjustable to 11
different sizes – allows you to
monitor trends in your game
without interrupting play.
Just screw the easy-to-install
lightweight tags into the grip
of your clubs and the system
works in the background to
collect over 100 tour-level
statistics, giving accurate and
intelligent feedback. Upload
your performance data to the
dashboard or one of the free
Shot Scope mobile apps. See
every shot you hit on an aerial
map of the course, check that
you beat your longest drive or
find out exactly how far you hit
each club. After an incredibly
successful launch at the PGA
Show in Orlando earlier this
year, Shot Scope is well on its
way to transforming the golf
technology industry, while
transforming your game at
the same time.
shotscope.com
@shotscope
£185

102 BUNKERED.CO.UK
 GOLF
GADGETS

z
2 OJEE GOLF
TALON
This revolutionary training aid allows
you to understand and correct the
most fundamental part of your
game: your set-up. Inspired by Jack
Nicklaus, it is reckoned to be the
first product of its kind. The Talon
is effectively a ‘spirit level’ for your
set-up, providing real-time feedback
on spine angle, shaft angle, rotation
angle of the clubface and the ‘Ojee
angle’ - relationship between the
spine and shaft.
ojeegolf.com | @OjeeGolf
£225

z
GOLFBUDDY
WT6 WATCH 3
The WT6 is the perfect GPS watch for the ggolfer who
wants yardage at a glance without
hout being
bamboozled by complicated data.ata.
With nine-hour battery in golf
mode and up to two months
in watch, the WT6 gives
dependable distances to
front, centre, back and
hazards. It benefits from
Dynamic Green View for
improved accuracy and
delivers everything a golfer
needs at a superb price.
golfbuddyglobal.com
@GolfBuddyGlobal
£139.99

z
4 GROOVEFIX
PUREPUTT
Serious about improving your
putting? Then you need to get your
hands on the GrooveFix PurePutt,
the first adjustable putting gate on
the market. Peg it into the green
and then adjust it anywhere from
49mm (7mm larger than the width of
a golf ball) to 108mm (the size of a
regulation hole). Start at the widest
point and work your way down for
consistent improvement. PurePutt
can also be used for long, breaking
putts but the further you place the
gate, the higher the degree of error.
groovefix.com | @GrooveFix
£49.99

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 GOLF
GADGETS

5 z
PUTTOUT
PUTTING TRAINING AID
This revolutionary device has
been designed to improve aim
and pace on putts. Scientifically
shaped in a parabolic curve,
the PuttOut auto-returns good
putts, rejects misses and holds
the perfect putt in a hole in the
middle. And, with its shape,
when you hit the ball too fast,
the ball will return the same
distance it would have gone if
it had missed.
puttout.golf | @PuttOut
£19.99
6 z
FOCALGOLF
SWING RECORDING AID
Get to know every nuance of
your swing with this superb
swing-recording device - the
perfect product for self-
analysis. Essentially, it’s a
smartphone holder that clips
to the top of your golf bag.
Position your bag behind you
- about six feet away - press
play on your video and then
instantly review it afterwards. It
really is as easy as that.
the15thclub.com | @FocalGolf
£24.99

z
GOLFCADDY PRO 7
GPS APP
Golf Caddy Pro is a rangefinder, shot tracker and
scorecard all in one that turns your smartphone
into an incredibly effective golf aid. Plot your way
around the course, all the while receiving tips from
major-winning caddie Colin Byrne with whatever
shot you may face. Golf Caddy Pro has an extensive
database of courses and, what’s more, it operates
without mobile data, meaning no interruptions and
an increased battery life.
golfcaddyapp.com
4.99/month £24.99/year

8 9

z z
GROOVEFIX
CARPET CUP
With the new Carpet Cup from GrooveFix, it’s never been easier to
practice those nervy three-footers. Made from high grade aluminium,
the Carpet Cup allows you to practice your putting in the office,
living room - pretty much anywhere you can find a spot! Just place
the device on a carpet and putt away. The Carpet Cup is exactly the
same size as a regular hole and will ‘trap’ a ball that is hit on target.
However, its width is only a fraction narrower than a ball so, if you hit
it too hard, the ball will pass through.
groovefix.com | @GrooveFix
£25
CADDYRACK
GOLF CLUB ORGANISER
With the Caddyrack, say goodbye to your irons clunking away in
your bag as you walk down the fairway. The golf club organiser
can be adjusted to fit to almost every bag and is made of silicone
rubber, meaning that the clubs pull up and grip back into position
without clattering. It’s the ideal way to better organise your golf bag
and, because of its height, woods don’t hang over the top of them.
Caddyrack also do their own golf bags, as shown above, which come
already fitted with the rack.
caddyrack.golf | @CaddyrackUK
From £24.99

TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE 105
 GET MORE
bunkered.co.uk/gear

One of the most

versatile sets of
fairway woods and
hybrids on the market
today, the new King
F7 range features
the latest Baffler
Dual Rail Tech.

COBRA’S NEXT GENERATION

BAFFLER TECHNOLOGY
Forgiveness, distance and versatility from any lie

C
OBRA IS RENOWNED
for its revolutionary
products and the
King F7 fairways and
hybrids are no different.
They feature Cobra’s
Baffler Dual Rail System,
which is designed to give
consistent ball striking
from any lie. The concept
of rails was introduced
in 1975 with Cobra’s
first big hit, the Baffler. It
introduced a new category
of clubs to the game and
set the standards for future
Cobra innovations. Its
unique sole-plate featured
two heavy brass rails that
were designed to make
the club effective from
various lies. This latest
version of Cobra’s Baffler
technology is created out
of the same material as
the clubhead in order to THIS
THIS•ISSUE
ISSUE
create a low CG to give
golfers the ultimate in
forgiveness and distance.
Jose Miraflor, director
of product marketing at
Cobra, said: “The rails
do one specific thing - Callaway Steelhead XR Pro Irons
they deliver forgiveness
through the turf.” Turn the
page 110
page to find out more.

FJ ContourFIT shoes
page 116
• All prices provided are RRP. Contact your local golf stockist or PGA pro for more accurate prices & offers.
 1 FAIRWAYS & HYBRIDS
COBRA KING F7 FAIRWAYS AND HYBRIDS
Designed to help PGA Tour star Rickie Fowler, these could also help you
T
WO YEARS AGO,
COBRA started working
with Rickie Fowler and
his coach Butch Harmon to
develop a club that would
give a little more forgiveness
through the turf and allow
Rickie to be as aggressive
as he wants to be with his
downward angle of attack.
The F7 fairways and hybrids
are the refined result of this
process.
The vice-president of R&D
at Cobra, Tom Olsavsky,
explained: “The new F7
woods have been designed
to give you more confidence
to be aggressive with
your swing and maximise
performance and distance.”
The new rail technology
is beneficial to all golfers,
giving you versatility and
confidence from every lie,
from tee to green. The front
of the rails add forgiveness
through the shot, generating
higher launch angles,
whilst the back allows the
clubhead to glide out of
impact, preventing clubhead
speed from decreasing at
impact.
108 BUNKERED.CO.UK
KING F7 FAIRWAY
Described by Cobra as its
‘longest and most forgiving
adjustable fairway’, the
new King F7 is packed with
technology, including Baffler
dual rail technology and an
adjustable front-to-back CG.
Reversible weights on the
sole allow you to choose
from two CG settings to
maximise distance through
optimised launch conditons
and spin rates.
By placing the heavier
weight in the forward port,
a low spinning, penetrating
ball flight is promoted; when
placed in the rear, you
get a more forgiving, high
launching flight.
Progressive rail design
provides shallower or
steeper rails depending on
loft of the club and angle
of attack for improved turf
interaction and consistency
from every lie. The rails
on the F7 3-wood have a
shorter, less pronounced
design to accommodate for
a sweeping attack angle,
allowing the club to glide
easily through any lie for
improved turf interaction.
The medium height
rail design on the 5 and
7-woods work to reduce
digging into the turf in order
to retain more clubhead
speed and distance out of
any lie, whether you have a
shallow or sweeping angle
of attack.
These fairway woods also
give you incredible distance
thanks to increased ball
speed off the face. This is
achieved thanks to a new
forged face insert that is
lighter, thinner and hotter
than anything we’ve ever
seen from Cobra before.
SPEC
Cobra F7 Fairway
LOFT
3-4 FWY 14.5°
(adjustable)
5-6 FWY 18.5°
(adjustable)
7-8 FWY 22.5°
(adjustable)
SHAFT
Fujikura Pro 65
PRICE £189
Cobra F7 Hybrid
LOFT
2-3 H 17.5°
(adjustable)
3-4 H 20.5°
(adjustable)
4-5 H 23.5°
KING F7 HYBRID (adjustable)
The hybrids are designed SHAFT
Fujikura Pro 75H
with taller, more pronounced
PRICE £159
rails that drastically reduce
the potential for digging that
is prone with the steeper
attack angles when using
hybrids. This allows you to
swing confidently out of the
deepest rough and even
bunkers.
The hybrids also feature
a single fixed weight,
positioned low for a deep
centre of gravity, resulting
in a high, towering ball
flight for maximum distance
and forgiveness. Both the
hybrids and fairways feature
Cobra’s MyFly8 with Smart
Pad technology. There are
eight easily adjustable loft
settings to choose from,
allowing you to manage
your trajectory and fine tune
launch conditions. The rails
have also been designed to
minimise the contact point
with the ground, which acts
as a Smart Pad to maintain a
square clubhead at address
regardless of the loft setting.
@cobragolf
cobragolf.co.uk
Rickie Fowler says rail
technology is beneficial for
everyone. “They work like
fins on a surf board or the
rudder on a boat, helping to
guide the club the right way,”
says the American.

Taller, more pronounced

rails reduce the potential for
digging that is typical when
using hybrids.

TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE 109
 A thinner topline and narrower

HOT
sole width, along with a stylish
black makeover, give these new
irons a striking and confidence-

LAUNCH
inspiring look at address.

CA LLAWAY ST EEL HE AD
XR PR O IRO NS

1 IRONS

CALLAWAY STEELHEAD XR PRO IRONS

The latest incarnation of the classic Steelhead irons

C
ALLAWAY HAS LONG
HELD a reputation
for producing
excellent and innovative
performance irons. Taking
its design characteristics
from Callaway’s most
successful irons, the
Steelhead X-14s, the
Steelhead XR Pro irons are
player’s irons that combine
playability and control. A
sleek black PVD finish and
a classic compact head
shape make these irons
truly stand out from the
crowd.
THE TECH
Designed to increase your
ball speed and distance,
especially on off-centre
strikes, Callaway’s next
generation 360 Face Cup
technology allows the
edges of the ultra-thin
face to freely flex and
release at impact with
greater efficiency. This is
technology that we first
saw in Callaway’s fairway
woods and hybrids and,
over the last few years,
has been introduced
into its irons. It increases
average ball speed, not
the peak speed, to give
consistent speed and
distance across the whole
face and through the bag,
The XR Pros also offer
more speed and distance
on mis-hits thanks to a
modern Hollow Bore-
Thru hosel design. This
innovation has allowed
Callaway engineers to
remove weight from the
hosel and reposition it
in strategic areas within
the head. As a result, the
MOI has been increased
to give more forgiveness
and the CG has been
strategically positioned
in each iron to increase
playability. Consistent
launch and longer carry
is promoted in the long
irons, great workability and
control in the mid irons,
and lower, high-spinning
shots in the short irons,
ideal for attacking the pin.
The great feel and
sound come from a new
steel-infused polyurethane
layer positioned behind
the lower portion of

110 BUNKERED.CO.UK
 REVIEWED
SKECHERS
SK
Go Golf Focus
David Cunninghame
@D_Cunninghame

Callaway’s next
generation 360 Face
Cup Technology delivers
incredible ball speeds
off the face, even on
mis-hits. You’ll be amazed
how far these irons go.

SPEC S KEC
KECHERS is a brand that is relatively new to the golf
industry but you certainly wouldn’t know it from the quality
in
of their products.
STOCK STEEL I recently received a pair of their Go Golf Focus, currently
SHAFT worn by Russell Knox and a brand new addition to Skechers’
True Temper XP range.
105 Steel I decided to put these new shoes through their paces and,
CUSTOM OPTIONS straight off the bat, I loved the level of comfort they provided.
A wide array
of premium
Skechers’ boundary-pushing R&D department designed
aftermarket steel these shoes to provide ‘total performance and out of the box
and graphite shafts comfort built specifically for the golf course’, and I certainly
are available. found this to be the case.
PRICE £759
(Steel)

@CallawayGolf
“I loved the level of comfort
callawaygolf.com they provided.”

Newly improved cushioning technologies, such as GOGA

the face. In addition to
absorbing unwanted
impact vibration to
remarkably
promote a rema
sound and feel
satisfying sou
at impact, it also helps
lowerr the CG to promote
faster ball speed and
higher launch conditions
for more distance.
THEY SAY
Callaway wanted to
combine some of the best
elements and shapes
of past irons with its
ultra-modern distance
and speed enhancing
technologies.
“Put it all together
and you have an iron
that delivers the finest
combination of speed,
forgiveness, distance and
control to ever emerge
from the Callaway R&D
department,” said Dr.
Alan Hocknell, senior
vice-president of R&D
at Callaway. “For a
brand with Callaway’s
history of innovation and
performance, that’s saying
a lot.”
Mat and GOGA Matrix, provided the exceptional yoga mat
feel and comfort that Russell Knox has continually praised.
This, coupled with 5Gen, a next generation highly responsive
cushioning foam used in the sole, also seen in their running
shoes, adds to the incredible fit and feel of the shoes.
The fully waterproof Focus has been hailed as the sleek,
lightweight stability offering within their 2017 collection. It
features a durable grip TPU bottom plate and a sleek, low
to the ground, full contact bottom that offers great stability
throughout the golf swing, while the Dynamic Upper Fit
allows for excellent flexibility in the forefoot. All of these new
technologies really make this one of the standout performance
shoes on the market.
RRP £139
skechers.com

TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE 111
 1 DRIVERS
WILSON STAFF TRITON
Introducing the driver that can trace its roots to reality TV - yes, really!
W
ILSON STAFF’S
latest driver had
an unusual design
process to say the least.
Last year in the US, the
Golf Channel ran an
Apprentice/Dragon’s
Den-style reality television
show called Driver vs.
Driver. Over seven
episodes, 11 finalists
pitched designs to an
expert panel including
Wilson Golf’s president,
Tim Clarke, and former
USGA technical head
Frank Thomas. All were
competing for a prize of
$500,000 and to have
their driver design turned
into a reality by Wilson.
“As we push golf
innovation into new
territories, we recognise
that new ideas, materials,
design elements and
concepts can come from
the most unexpected
places, industries and
1:1 Visible Swing
Active Technology
is an alignment
and swing plane
guide designed to
encourage consistent
ball striking.
SPEC
Wilson Staff Triton
Driver
LOFT 9˚, 10.5˚ & 12˚
SHAFT
10 Custom options
available
(No Upcharge)
harge)
349
PRICE £349
people,” said Tim Clarke.
“This new television show
is designed to celebrate
the entrepreneurial and
inventive spirit that is so
important to our brand.”
In the end, it was Eric
Sillies’ Triton design that
made the cut.
THE TECH
An incredibly long and
forgiving driver, its
wealth of adjustability
features mean you can
independently adjust the
club’s CG, MOI, loft and
head weight.
Two interchangeable
sole plates also allow
you to dial in your perfect
launch conditions. The
heavier titanium sole
plate promotes a high
launching, low spinning
flight, whereas the lighter
carbon fibre sole plate
gives a low penetrating
flight with lower spin.
Further adjustability
is offered thanks to
three adjustable weight
ports and their four
corresponding moveable
weights.
This allows you to
further alter launch
conditions as well as
adding either a draw
or fade bias in order to
achieve the perfect ball
flight. It is a seriously
‘tweakable’ driver.
Perhaps the most
notable feature on this
new model when you first
pick it up is the 1:1 Visible
Swing Active Technology.
Intended to promote
improved ball striking for
greater accuracy, distance
and consistency, this large
silver stripe will ensure
perfect alignment with
both the ball and your
target at address.
The adjustable hosel
on the Triton features
Wilson’s Fast Fit
technology. Offering six
settings for ultimate ball
flight control, the super
quick and easy-to-use
design means loft can
be adjusted without fully
detaching the clubhead
from the hosel or shaft.
AND FINALLY
Wilson has a long history
of innovation but whether
or not this venture will
prove to be a success
remains to be seen. It
is, however, not unlikely
there will be a second
series of Driver vs. Driver,
with Tim Clarke saying:
“We’re always interested
in duplicating successful
models.”
Who knows? Perhaps in
the years to come years
we may even see a Putter
vs. Putter or Irons vs.
Irons series come to our
screens.
Two interchangeable sole
plates and four adjustable
weights make the Triton
the world’s most adjustable
multi-piece driver, giving
golfers the perfect set-up for
every round.
@WilsonGolfUK
wilson.com
 REVIEWED
SHOT
S O SCOPE
SCO
Game
Game ttracking technolo
technology
ogy
David
Davi
Davidd Cu
Cunn
Cunninghame
nnin
ingh
gham
amee
@D_Cunninghame
@D
@D_C
D_Cunn
Cunniin
ingh
gham
a e

G
the
AM
AME
ME TR

thhe same
TRACKI
TRACKING
equip
ING tec
golf equipment
ipme
ment
me
ttechnology
echn
hnol
market
nt m
mararke
olog
ogyy is a fairly
kett an
f
ddesigned
andd is des
esiigne
es
new coconc
concept
nceept
nc ept in the
ignedd to help give you
s me kind of stats that the best players in the wo
sa world
orlrldd ha
have
access to.
The real benefit of Shot Scope, when compared to some
other game tracking products out there today, is that it has
been designed to not interrupt your normal style of play.
I certainly found this to be the case. Within a few holes, I had
forgotten that I had the lightweight wristband on.
Another big plus with Shot Scope is the Pin Collect system
that is there to give you more accurate putting statistics. If at
any point you forget to use the system, like I did on more than
a few occasions, you can easily fix this by logging-on to your
Shot Scope account after your round and using the Edit My

“With more data you are better

able to analyse the strengths and
weaknesses of your game.”

Round feature. The process is quick and painless and ensures

100% accurate data.
Having only played three rounds using the wristband, I feel
I am yet to fully experience all Shot Scope has to offer, as it
is a data-hungry beast. With more data you are better able to
analyse the strengths and weaknesses of your game. Looking
at mine so far, it is clear that I need to start hitting more fairways
and cut out the left misses if I’m going to shoot lower scores.
With simple and user-friendly products out there like
Shot Scope, it wouldn’t surprise me to see game tracking
technology catch on just like distance measuring devices have
over the past decade. For those of you who are serious about
improving your game, I would definitely recommend getting
on the game tracking wagon.

RRP £185
shotscope.com

TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE 113
 1 PUTTERS & WEDGES

TRIBE PUTTER &

WEDGE COLLECTIONS
Benross’ new short game division launches its first products

B
ENROSS was founded
in 1997 on the
principal of producing
top quality golf equipment,
without the prohibitive
price tag. The introduction
of its new Tribe short
game division shows that it
remains committed to this
principal.
Tribe has created a
selection of wedges and
putters that offer you the
chance to find what is right
for your game. Whether it
is different finishes, grinds
or inserts, several options
have been created across
the board to ensure every
player can find the right
short game equipment.
MDR WEDGES
The Tribe MDR Wedges
offer exceptional
performance and feel in a
premium-plated finish.
Featuring CNC milled
face grooves and a
premium KBS Tour 90
wedge shaft that promotes
a high launch and high
spin ball flight, these great
looking wedges give you
maximum control into and
around the greens.
The increased hosel
length improves shot
stability and an optimised
CG, courtesy of a
strategically designed
cavity slot, make this a
wedge for all golfers.

MDJ PUTTERS SPECS

Featuring a two-piece, 8-Axis
Milled Head, the MDJ putter
series has been designed MDR Wedges
to optimally locate CG and LOFTS 48°/8°,
promote a true roll. There are six 50°/8°, 52˚/10°,
54˚/10˚, 56˚/14˚,
head designs to choose from, all
58˚/16˚
with a stunning plated finish that SHAFT STOCK
provides exceptional aesthetics STEEL KBS Tour 90
and durability. Benross and GRIP Lamkin UTX
Lamkin Grips have partnered REL Compound Grip
to create a bespoke SINK grip, PRICE £59.99
exclusive to the new MDJ putter MDJ Putters
range. LENGTH 34 inches
(Custom lengths
available from 30
to 36 inches)
GRIP Lamkin SINK
11” Round Grip
PRICE £99.99

MDA Putters
LENGTH 34 inches
(Custom lengths
available from 30
MDA PUTTERS to 36 inches)
The Tribe MDA Putter Series features four GRIP Lamkin X10
classic head shapes in a striking black PVD Deep Etch Grip
finish. Cast in soft 304 Steel, they feature PRICE £69.99
precise face milling that provides exceptional
feel and a consistent roll off the face, even on @benrossgolf
off-centre strikes. benrossgolf.com

114 BUNKERED.CO.UK
1 RANGEFINDER
BUSHNELL PRO X2
The ‘must have’ rangefinder for amateurs and pros alike
B
USHNELL’S most advanced
laser rangefinder to date, the
Pro X2 boasts a wealth of
technology and features that’ll give
you extra confidence over every
shot.
KEY FEATURES
“The Pro X2 provides golfers with
the best of both worlds with a 2-in-
1 laser rangefinder,” said Derek
Schuman, Bushnell’s golf marketing
manager. He added: “Slope-Switch
Technology makes it extremely
easy to get compensated distances
with a flick of a switch.”
Users can easily toggle between
normal distances and distances
adjusted for gradient to provide
the most accurate numbers
possible thanks to this innovative
technology, plus with the slope
mode switched off it ensures the
device conforms to local rulings.
Bushnell has also included Jolt
Technology amongst the host of
features offered in the new Pro X2.
When aiming the rangefinder at the
flag, Jolt Technology will provide
short, vibrating bursts to ensure
Bushnell’s advanced PinSeeker
technology has locked onto the
flag. The vibrating bursts assure
you have the exact distance to the
flag, giving you the best chance of
hitting it close.
A rubber-armoured metal
housing makes the device fully
waterproof and also boasts
incredible range capabilities of
up to 1,300 yards (450+ yards to a
flag).
The Pro X2 also comes with a
two-year warranty after the date of
purchase and provides yardages
five times faster than ever before,
thanks to second generation
Extreme Speed Precision
technology.
TOUR VALIDATION
Bushnell laser rangefinders are the
go-to distance measuring device
for most of the world’s tour pros. An
independent survey carried out at
the 2016 Open found that 97% of
players and 92% of caddies were
using a Bushnell.
PRICE £449
@BushnellGolf
bushnellgolf.co.uk
TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE 115
 FLEX
& F IT
FO OTJOY
CO NT OU RF IT

Strategically placed
flex grooves on the
outsole have been
designed to give
maximum flexibility
and mobility.

116 BUNKERED.CO.UKA
 1 SHOES
FOOTJOY CONTOURFIT
Comfort that never quits from the No.1 shoe brand in golf
R
ECOGNISED as one
of the best-selling
shoe franchises of all
time, Contour was created
with the singular focus on
comfort. That focus and
dedication continues with
the latest incarnation of
the series, the ContourFIT.
FootJoy reimagined the
entire category from a
blank sheet of paper and
say this radical upgrade to
the iconic Contour Series
is ‘the perfect blend of
cushion flex and fit’.
KEY FEATURES
Keith Duffy, senior product
manager of footwear
at FootJoy says: “The
ContourFIT was designed
with absolute comfort
in mind. Every detail is
designed to enhance the
player’s experience.”
Starting from the
ground, the new TPU
DynaFlex outsole has
been designed to flex
naturally with the foot.
Each flex groove is
strategically placed
to provide maximum
flexibility and mobility
whilst walking the course
and throughout the golf
swing.
Next is the Fine Tune
Foam (FTF) 3.0 midsole.
SPEC
COLOURS
White & Brown
Whire & Black
Black,
Charcoal & White
PRICE £120
BOA £135
FootJoy’s softest and
lightest midsole to date
provides underfoot
comfort without
compromising on the
high levels of lateral
support and stability. A
new integrated Achilles
Heel pad delivers
support and comfort
while also working with
the connected comfort
tongue to lock the foot into
the shoe for a precise fit.
Engineers have also
designed the Contour
Plus Last to more closely
match the shape of the
foot, while a thick, soft
and breathable FitBed
cradles the foot to ensure
all day comfort.
Finally, the entire
package is wrapped in a
contemporary take on a
‘contourian’ upper design
utilising soft, full grain
waterproof leather and
performance synthetic
material. The ContourFIT
brings a fresh new look
to this celebrated line
and offers the unrivalled
comfort and high levels of
performance we’ve come
to expect from the No.1
shoe brand in golf.
WHAT THEY SAY
Often, when discussing
TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE
T
TWI
WITTE
TTER
R.COM/
R.C
COM/
OM/BUN
golf shoe development
and technology, a lot
of focus is placed on
the upper, whether it
be flexible, waterproof,
breathable, comfortable
or all of the above.
This often results in the
outsole not even getting
a mention, despite it
typically being the most
difficult and expensive
component to produce.
“‘Designed from
the bottom up’ is a
phrase that bears some
significance with all FJ
designers,” said Paul
O’Hagan, marketing
executive at FootJoy.
“That’s because, more
often than not, the design
of every FJ shoe starts
with the outsole. Known
as the ‘engine of the
shoe’, the outsole has
perhaps an even greater
role than you would
expect when it comes to
how a shoe performs.”
For this reason, FootJoy
invests heavily in the
outsole design process
and has recently worked
with the University of
Massachusetts to take
shoe development into
more scientific realms
and enhance both
performance and comfort.
@FootJoyEurope
footjoy.co.uk
BUN
UNKER
KEREDO
KER ONLI
NLI
LINNE 117
1 PUTTERS
EVNROLL PUTTERS
Three new models added to this award winning range of putters.
E
VNROLL PUTTERS
first burst on to the
scene at the 2016
PGA Merchandise Show
in Florida with the promise
of a better roll for golfers
everywhere thanks to ‘the
Sweetest Face in Golf’.
Evnroll putters enable you
to roll centre and off-centre
putts not only the same
distance, but also to the
same spot, by imparting
progressively more energy
SPEC
AVAILABLE IN
LENGTHS 33”, 34”
AND 35” (RH ONLY)
PRICE £275 (ER6
iroll £300)
@EvnRoll
evnroll.com
transfer on off-centre
hits. The innovative and
unique mill pattern on each
Evnroll putters delivers
uniform performance
across the entire hitting
area of the putter face for
unprecedented accuracy
and zero dispersion.
“This is by far the most
performance-enhancing
technology I have ever
brought to market,” said
designer Guerin Rife at
last year’s Evnroll launch,
some 20 years after first
introducing face grooves
to putters.
Each putter also features
new LineAlign technology,
which features two small,
unpainted dots on the
topline, either side of the
centre cavity sightline. It
has been designed to help
you keep the ball travelling
on the high side of your
target line, as 90% of putts
are missed below the hole.le.
Following the initial
success of, and reaction
to, this highly acclaimed
face technology, three
new models have been
unveiled for 2017, the ER33
Wing Blade, ER7 Full Mallet
let
and ER8 Tour Mallet. All
three new models are
CNC-milled from a block of
303 stainless steel,
hand-finished in
Carlsbad, California.
A new black version of
the popular ER6 iRoll
full mallet has been
released, which along
with Evnroll’s patented
face technology, now
also boasts three
striking white sightlines
on top of the head.
 REVIEWED
COBRA
King Forged One Length Irons
ER3 Wing Blade
David Cunninghame
` Featuring a dramatic
@D_Cunninghame
flare to the heel and
toe that gives its head
a distinctive “wing”
shape. Positioning
mass away from
the centre in this
way produces an
effortless stability that
enhances confidence.

ER7 Full Mallet

W
` Three prominent HEN THE LATEST innovation from Cobra came into the
centre sightlines office, I have to admit, I was sceptical about the whole
surrounded by ‘one length’ concept from the beginning. I couldn’t help but
a symmetrical feel uncomfortable with a wedge in my hand that was the
distribution of weight length of a 7-iron. The one length concept is supposed to
that flows gracefully promote consistent and repeatable swings, no matter the club.
back from the heel I decided to first take them onto the range to try and get
and toe. These a feel for the quirky irons. The Forged clubhead, with its thin
connect to the centre topline and compact better player looks, are exactly what I like
alignment section by to see when over the ball. Not only did they have the looks, I
way of three milled couldn’t help but marvel at the level of forgiveness and feel
parallel steps that these irons gave.
give the entire putter
a sense of motion
toward the target.
“The clubs made it very easy to
shape and manipulate the ball in
ER8 Tour Mallet whichever way I wanted.”
` Called the ‘tour
mallet’ because of
As expected, these unusual irons really got people talking
the popularity of
when I arrived at my golf club. Opinions ranged from, “I really
this headshape on
like the idea of them, can I have a shot?” to “What a lot of non-
professional tours
sense, this is just a fad that will die out”. I was still somewhere
worldwide, the ER8 is a
in the middle of all this but playing on the course I found all of
slightly more compact
my initial concerns were ill-formed. I was almost immediately
heel-and-toe weighted
comfortable playing with them as they made it very easy to
mallet with a solitary
shape and manipulate the ball in whichever way I wanted and
white sightline on top,
maintained my normal distance gapping. I was also beginning
boasting the same
to really appreciate the reasoning behind the concept and how
Silver Satin finish as
the irons lend themself to consistent and repeatable swings.
2016’s ER1 and ER2
I would recommend any of you whose curiosity has been
blade models. This
peaked by this latest innovation to go and try them out. I am
more compact head
not saying I am now a one length convert but have to admit I
shape gives a balanced
was seriously impressed by these irons.
look from the player
position and helps
to better frame the RRP £849 (4-GW)
centre sightline. cobragolf.co.uk

TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE 119
 02
01 03
1 CROSS-SPORTSWEAR ACE H2OFF CHINOS
A stylish regular fit trouser made from a 100% polyester
stretch material that is both water repellent and wind
resistant. Six new colour options are available for 2017.
£65 cross-sportswear.com

2 SCOTTY CAMERON SELECT NEWPORT 3

Designed for players seeking a classic, heel-shafted mallet.
A multi-material construction combining lightweight aircraft
grade aluminium with heavier stainless steel allows more
weight to be designed into the sculpted back flange,
increasing forgiveness and giving a perfect roll off the face.

04 05
£335 scottycameron.com

3 SUNWISE PARADE WHITE

This new stylish offering from Sunwise is part of the British
brand’s exciting 2017 eyewear collection. The yellow
platinum, polarised lenses with GF technology offer
extra protection from damaging sunlight and eliminate
glare for superior clear vision. £64.99 sunwise.co.uk

4 STUBURT VAPOUR SPORT FLEECE GILET

Tailored from a highly breathable thin polyester stretch
fleece fabric, this gilet boasts excellent windproof
and thermal insulation properties and also features
Stuburt’s DRI-back moisture transfer technology.
£34.99 stuburt.com

5 UNDER ARMOUR STORM WINDSTRIKE FULL ZIP

This windproof garment features Under Armour Storm
technology that repels water without sacrificing breathability.
£70 underarmour.co.uk

120 BUNKERED.CO.UK
 Vintage GET MORE
bunkered.co.uk/gear

Re-visiting the equipment that shaped golf

PING EYE 2 IRONS

The irons that took the world by storm

P
ERIMETER he was able to create these revolutionary clubs remain golf’s
WEIGHTING cavity back irons that clubs enjoyed all-time best selling
is one of Ping produced a high MOI, unrivalled success irons and were a
founder Karsten giving unparalleled and set the standards huge hit with amateur
Solheim’s greatest forgiveness. As for modern iron golfers thanks to
contributions to golf Karsten predicted, the design. They went the incredible levels
club design and it was perimeter weighting through several design of forgiveness and
inspired by a tennis compensated for less iterations and, in 1984, distance they offered.
racket. Weight on the than perfect shots and square groves were Many professionals
perimeter of the racket golf balls started flying incorporated into the also opted to put
would act to resist longer and straighter. irons. This simplified them in the bag for
twisting at impact First seen in the K1 the manufacturing the same reasons.
with the ball and he irons, over the years process and increased Mark Calcavecchia
reasoned that the he refined his design the amount of won the 1989 Open
same design theory and it is probably backspin you could Championship at Royal
would benefit a golf best remembered in achieve with your Troon using the Eye
club. the Ping Eye 2 irons. shots. 2 beryllium copper
Applying this theory, Introduced in 1982, These revolutionary model.

TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE 121
 WIN!
A PAIR OF SINTRA PRO FLEX
TROUSERS BY
STROMBERG

“Stromberg create new

fabrics with built-in
technology which deliver
real solutions for golfers.
For this reason, they are my
trouser brand of choice”
CHRIS HANSON, EUROPEAN TOUR PROFESSIONAL

C
UT A DASH ON THE FAIRWAYS HOW MANY COLOUR OPTIONS
this season with a brand new pair IS THE SINTRA PRO FLEX
of Stromberg Sintra Pro Flex
Tapered trousers. We’ve got seven AVAILABLE IN?
pairs of these fantastic slacks to give A. 7
away. The evolution of the already
hugely successful Sintra range,
B. 8 • Water-resistant finish

the Sintra Pro Flex trousers come C. 9 TERMS AND CONDITIONS

with a water-resistant finish for the
unpredictable British Summer and a
new tapered fit to suit the golfer who
wants to keep up with fashion but still
have the comfort needed. They also
come in seven different colour options:
Black, White, Light Grey, Red, Cobalt
Blue, Navy, Dark Grey. To be in with a
chance of winning a pair, all you have
to do is correctly answer the following
question.
› ENTER at bunkered.co.uk/competitions
Or send your answer, name and contact
details to: Stromberg Comp, bunkered, PSP
House, 50 High Craighall Road, Craighall
Business Park, Glasgow, G4 9UD
All entries must be received no later
than June 15, 2017. Only one entry
per person can be accepted. Winners
will be the first seven correct entries
drawn after the closing date. Prize
is non-refundable and there is no
cash alternative. Competition is only
open to UK residents and current
passport holders. Prize cannot be sold
or exchanged for financial gain. By
entering this competition, you agree
to share your data with our supporting
partners. The editor’s decision is
final. See our Facebook page for
winners’ details: facebook.com/
bunkeredmagazine

122 BUNKERED.CO.UK
 DRIVERS | IRONS | FAIRWAYS | HYBRIDS | WEDGES | BALLS | SHOES
PPAREL | PUTTERS | RANGEFINDERS | GPS | TROLLEYS | BAGS | GLOVES
APPAREL GLOVE

BUYER’S GUIDE

+
WEDGES
P.138

BALLS
+
APPAREL
P.145

THE KEY TO SHOOTING

LOWER SCORES
P.124
TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE 123
 BEST IN SHOW

BALLS
BUYING GUIDE
T
HIS BUYER’S GUIDE will give you all the
information you need and allow you to choose
the right ball for your game, whether you are
looking for more spin control, a more piercing ball
flight or some seriously long carries off the tee.

H tech s p e a k e x p la in e d H

z z z z
COMPRESSION CORE COVER DIMPLES
Lower compression Referred to as the Usually made from either Dimples are the reason
balls are for those ‘engine of the golf ball’, Urethane or Surlyn, a golf ball flies so far,
wanting more distance the core is designed the cover dictates the reducing drag and
(higher for better players to maximise spin feel and level of spin allowing the ball to
wanting more control). control and distance. you get from a ball. pierce through the air.

124 BUNKERED.CO.UK
 BALLS
THE NEW



‘The confidence you get is invaluable’
WITH SO MANY options
now available on the golf
ball market, the days of just
picking up a ball because
you like the brand name, or
the packaging, or whatever
else, are long gone. Now,
if you’re not using the
right ball for your game,
you’re putting yourself at
a distinct disadvantage.
PRO V1


TH E #1 BA LL 
ON TO UR


TITLEIST
PRO V1 £52 
KEY FEATURES The all-new Pro V1 is 
longer than ever, giving lower long
game spin for an even more consistent 
flight. It also offers unrivalled ‘drop-and-
stop’ greenside control. Still the No.1 
ball in golf, the Pro V1 has held this title

now for almost 15 years and it doesn’t
look like giving it up anytime soon. 
titleist.co.uk





The only way to know myself as a Titleist Pro V1x ‘X’ was indeed the right ball
which one is best is, of guy but wondered if the Pro for me. You can’t argue with 
course, by getting fitted. I V1 would be better for me. the numbers. If they’d told
went through mine in Abu I then went through a blind me I was better off with the 
Dhabi under the watchful test, hitting around half a ‘V’, I’d have gladly made 
eye of Titleist master fitter, dozen balls with a wedge, the change, no questions
Graeme Noblett. He took a mid-iron and finally my asked. The process 
me through the process, driver. Using Trackman to took around 20mins
which is quick and entirely analyse my shots, Graeme but the confidence and 
painless. I explained that was able to see immediately reassurance it has given
I had always thought of - and at a glance - that the me has been invaluable. 
By Michael McEwan @MMcEwanBunkered 



BUYER’S GUIDE

TITLEIST
PRO V1X £52
KEY FEATURES Higher launching than the
Pro V1, the Pro V1x gives more short game spin
as well as higher spinning shots with the long
irons. A ZG Process Dual Core helps deliver
extraordinary distance on all shots. The new
spherically-tiled 328 tetrahedral dimple design
provides the ‘X’s most consistent flight ever.
titleist.co.uk
It was at the end of last year we heard the news that Tiger had signed a multi-year
contract to play Bridgestone golf balls. “The most important thing is the ball. Once you
find a ball, then you can work around everything else. The ball is No.1,” said Woods.

CALLAWAY
AWAY
CALLAWAY CHROME
ME SOFT X £32
£32.99
99
CHROME SOFT £32.99
KEY FEATURES Designed to give a more piercing and workable
KEY FEATURES This four-piece golf ball delivers tour level ball flight with a firmer feel than that of the Chrome Soft,
performance with exceptional feel. Its low compression the X still delivers incredible feel and spin around the greens
Dual SoftFast Core provides higher ball speeds and optimal thanks to the ultra-thin urethane cover. Longer distance
spin rates that will give you a long straight flight with your with a lower, piercing and workable ball flight is achieved
iron shots, as well as amazing feel around the green. thanks to Callaway’s HEX Aerodynamics dimple pattern.
callawaygolf.com callawaygolf.com

BRIDGESTONE
TOUR B330 £40
KEY FEATURES Engineered with a firmer TOURcore that
is 6% larger increases ball speed for longer distance. The
patented SlipRes cover also produces maximum greenside
performance, higher friction for more spin from the rough
and less spin off the driver for increased distance.
bridgestonegolf.com
BRIDGESTONE
TOUR B330 S £40
KEY FEATURES After Nike’s departure from the golf equipment
business, many of wondered what ball their former staffers
would choose to play, particularly Tiger Woods. Here is the
answer. “As of right now, I’m longer than I’ve ever been,” said
Woods. “I’m about six yards longer. I was shocked at how stable
the ball is. The accuracy and aerodynamics are incredible.”
bridgestonegolf.com

126 BUNKERED.CO.UK
Ballumbie Castle
GOLF CLUB

GOLF OUTINGS
Planning a golf outing this
season with your friends and
not sure where to go.
Ballumbie Golf Club is the
perfect venue to host your group.
Our facilities are ideal for having
large outings, driving range to
warm up, fantastic golf course,
delicious food and of course
well stocked bar! We are very
busy with groups but still have
availability, to book now call
01382 770028

3 Old Quarry Rd, Dundee DD4 0PD

T: 01382 730026
E: info@ballumbiegolf.com

‘This makes my old ball feel outdated’
TAYLORMADE worked
in conjunction with its
fleet of tour players to
develop both the TP5 and
TP5x models in order to
deliver a golf ball that
would be their No.1 choice
regardless of the type of
BALLS
The world record for ball speed is 235.1 mph, set by 2012 RE/Max World Long

Drive champion Ryan Winther in 2013. Let’s put that into persepective. It is roughly
100 mph faster than the average ball speed of amateur golfers. 




TAYLORMADE 
TP5 £49.99

KEY FEATURES The ball of choice of both
the new Masters champion, Sergio Garcia, 
and the current world No.1, Dustin Johnson.
TaylorMade has developed a ball that offers 
complete performance thanks to their
proprietary five-layer construction. Their 
engineers have been able to increase long 
game distance control and spin without
sacrificing the excellent levels of ‘drop-and-stop’ 
greenside control expected of a tour ball.
taylormadegolf.co.uk 




shot they were trying to flight and isn’t spinning tested the balls during 
hit. “This makes my current as much,” he said when the off-season at home
ball feel outdated,” said comparing the new model in Spain, opting for the 
Jason Day. Rising tour with his old ball. “It just softer TP5. He also has
star John Rahm was also goes a lot further,” he the number 49 stamped 
seriously impressed when added. Masters champion on each of his golf balls in 
he tested out the new Sergio Garcia, a long- acknowledgment of the
TP5x. “It’s a higher ball time TaylorMade player, year of his mother’s birth. 





BUYER’S GUIDE

TAYLORMADE
TP5X £49.99
KEY FEATURES Launching higher than the TP5,
this slightly firmer ball is suited more towards
those looking for a higher ball flight and more
distance with their long game. Its Dual-Spin
Cover generates exceptional spin performance by
maximising the interaction between the ultra-soft
urethane cover and the grooves of the clubhead.
taylormadegolf.co.uk
MIZUNO
MP-S £50
KEY FEATURES Dubbed ‘the ball that loves to spin’ on
its introduction, the MP-S is Mizuno’s softest and most
responsive golf ball. This latest version not only retains that
trait but also gives increased long game distance thanks
to a larger inner core and thinner urethane cover.
golf.mizunoeurope.com
VOLVIK
S4 £49
KEY FEATURES A name you are probably not too familiar with,
this South Korean company is looking to make its mark on the
golf ball market. Currently used by two-time Masters champion
Bubba Watson, this four-piece ball is aimed at golfers with fast
swing speeds, providing extreme accuracy and optimal spin rates.
volvik.co.kr
130 BUNKERED.CO.UK
MIZUNO
MP-X £50
KEY FEATURES A ball for pure ball-strikers with high swing
speeds, the four-piece construction of the MP-X features a
dual core design that reduces spin from the driver. A new,
thinner urethane cover enhances initial ball speed while
maintaining incredibly soft feel around the greens.
golf.mizunoeurope.com
WILSON STAFF
DX3 URETHANE £29.99
KEY FEATURES One of the softest urethane golf balls on the
market, this ball is perfectly suited for players who really
like to get great feedback and feel around the greens.
The 55 compression ball delivers a softer feel, while still
providing exceptional distance and tour performance spin.
wilson.com
 BALLS







SRIXON
Z-STAR £45 
KEY FEATURES The all-new fifth 
generation Z-STAR range is guaranteeing
golfers more distance, more spin and 
more consistency in the wind.
A new 338 Speed Dimple Pattern utilises 
five different dimple sizes to improve

aerodynamics, helping the ball to fly further
and with a more penetrating flight. 
srixon.co.uk




What the pros say 
GRAEME MCDOWELL RUSSELL KNOX 
“I’m a guy who really can’t give up any yardage “I attribute much of my recent success to the
with the driver, so I feel like with the Z-STAR trust I have in my Z-STAR ball. I love how it feels. 
XV I can keep the ball speed up but still have It gives me complete confidence in my ability to
the touch and feel around the green.” control the spin on greenside pitches and chips.” 



Test data gathered independently 
and commissioned by Srixon
found the Z-STAR to provide 
‘category leading’ soft feel and
launch conditions, while the XV 
led in ball speeds and distance.

BUYER’S GUIDE

SRIXON
Z-STAR XV £45
KEY FEATURES The Dual Energetic
Gradient Growth core has been
redesigned to further improve launch
conditions, distance and feel around the
greens. Both Z-STAR options also allow
you to create more scoring opportunities
thanks to the new, third generation,
Spin Skin Coating. At 13% softer than
the previous version, it increases the
consistency you have in spin control.
srixon.co.uk
 AT THE FOOT OF
FORT WILLIAM GOLF CLUB BEN NEVIS

If you are a really keen walker you might The golf course is a fair test of golf for all
ĂďŝůŝƟĞƐ͘/ƚŚĂƐĂŐŽŽĚƌĂŶŐĞŽĨŚŽůĞƐƚŚĂƚ
SPECIAL
want to climb “THE BEN”, but playing Fort ǁŝůůƚĞƐƚLJŽƵƌƐŚŽƚŵĂŬŝŶŐƐŬŝůůƐďƵƚŐŝǀĞLJŽƵ OFFER
tŝůůŝĂŵŐŽůĨĐŽƵƌƐĞŝƐŵƵĐŚůĞƐƐĞŶĞƌŐĞƟĐ͘ ĂĐŚĂŶĐĞƚŽƌĞĐŽƌĚĂŐƌĞĂƚƐĐŽƌĞ͘tĞŚĂǀĞ of £100
As the golf course is right beside Ben ĂƐŵĂůůĨƌŝĞŶĚůLJĐůƵƵƐĞǁŝƚŚĚƌŝŶŬƐĂŶĚ for a four ball,
ĨŽŽĚĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞĂƐǁĞůůĂƐĐůƵďƐĂŶĚƚƌŽůůĞLJƐ just quote
Nevis, you can enjoy what we think is ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞĨŽƌŚŝƌĞ͘/ĨLJŽƵĂƌĞƉůĂŶŶŝŶŐĂƚƌŝƉ Bunkered Offer
the most scenic golf course in Scotland, ƵƉƚŚĞǁĞƐƚĐŽĂƐƚŽĨ^ĐŽƚůĂŶĚǁŚLJŶŽƚŬ when making
your booking.
ǁŝƚŚŽƵƚďƌĞĂŬŝŶŐƐǁĞĂƚ͘ ĂƌŽƵŶĚĂƚŽƵƌĐŽƵƌƐĞ͘

zŽƵĐĂŶĐŽŶƚĂĐƚƵƐďLJƉŚŽŶĞŽŶ01397 704464 or by email at fortwilliam01@btconnect.com

ŚĞĐŬŽƵƚƚŚĞĐŽƵƌƐĞĚĞƚĂŝůƐĂƚwww.fortwilliamgolfclub.co.uk
 BALLS









TITLEIST TITLEIST
NXT TOUR £35 NXT TOUR S £35 
KEY FEATURES A high performance ball that delivers low driver KEY FEATURES The NXT Tour S golf ball delivers the 
and long iron spin for outstanding distance along with excellent same high performance characteristics as NXT Tour
shot stopping control. This advanced multi-component ball with significantly softer feel. These balls are designed 
features a large dual core with a soft centre, soft Fusablend to travel further for those with lower swing speeds
cover and spherically tiled 302 octahedral dimple design. and is available in white and high optic yellow.

titleist.co.uk titleist.co.uk 







TAYLORMADE CALLAWAY

PROJECT (A) £34.99 SUPERSOFT £19.99
KEY FEATURES Designed for those looking for more KEY FEATURES Callaway’s lowest compression golf ball 
spin with their approach shots, the Project (a) is long with is combined with a soft cover and the new Premium HEX 
every club in the bag and gives great feel thanks to its Aerodynamics pattern to deliver a super long, straight and
urethane Soft Tech Cover. This is the perfect ball for mid- soft ball. A new Tri-ionomer cover has increased softness 
handicappers looking for a competitive advantage. to give you maximum feel and spin with your wedges.
taylormadegolf.co.uk callawaygolf.com 


BUYER’S GUIDE

WILSON STAFF LYNX

DX3 SPIN £24.99
KEY FEATURES Designed for players who prefer a soft feel and
low driver spin, whilst maintaining enhanced greenside control,
this 35 compression golf ball is Wilson’s softest multi-layer ball.
It incorporates the similar distance and soft feel characteristics
of the DX2 Soft, but with added greenside control and spin.
wilson.com
BOOM BOOM 2 £35
KEY FEATURES A premium three-piece tour ball with the best
of both worlds: power and spin. Its low compression core
gives softer feel but generates high ball speeds, whilst the cast
Urethane cover provides great feel and spin. The 318 dimple
pattern enables the ball to hold its line in all conditions.
lynxgolf.co.uk
 Braehead Golf Club
Cambus, By Alloa
Weekday Round £20,
Weekend Round £30
ϭϬйĚŝƐĐŽƵŶƚĨŽƌƉĂƌƟĞƐŽĨϭϮŽƌŵŽƌĞ

Packages available.
For example weekday 2 rounds of golf £59, includes bacon
roll and coffee/tea on arrival,
lunch of soup and filled roll, and evening two course meal
with 10% discount as above.

Administrator 01259 725766 Pro Shop 01259 722078

enquiries@braeheadgolfclub.co.uk

Kelso Golf Club

Our 18 hole, par 71 course is set in the beautiful Scottish Borders. EDEN PACKAGE
The course is generally flat, allowing for easy walking and is set Bacon roll & tea/coffee, 18 holes of golf and a two course meal.
partially within Kelso Racecourse. Our course is maintained to a high £35 per person
level and sets a suitable challenge to every standard of player. We
have an attractive parkland course which is well known locally for TWEED PACKAGE
the quality of its turf, especially our greens. The original course was Bacon roll & tea/coffee, 9 or 18 holes of golf, soup & sandwiches,
designed by Ben Sayers and then re-designed by James Braid in 1930. 18 holes of golf and a two course meal.
The mature 18 hole layout was opened in 1980. £45 per person
• Welcoming and comfortable clubhouse • A number of packages are SPECIAL WEEKDAY FOURBALL OFFER
and dining area with views over the available for golfers and
course, and our clubhouse staff will several open competitions for £22 per person
ensure that a warm welcome and good all golfing categories during (includes bacon roll and tea/coffee or soup and sandwiches).
service awaits you. the year. If you would prefer
• Wide range of drinks available to suit something different we can GREEN FEES
all tastes and during the winter months also tailor packages to suit
a snack menu is also available. your particular requirements. Weekday Round £25 Weekend Round £30

Contact us on 01573 223009 or e-mail at secretary@kelsogolfclub.co.uk • www.kelsogolfclub.co.uk

 BALLS
Somewhat of a go-to ball for most average

golfers, the Srixon AD333 has been Britain’s
best selling two-piece ball for over a decade now. 







SRIXON SRIXON
AD333 £25 AD333 TOUR £34 
KEY FEATURES Providing the perfect blend of distance off KEY FEATURES A premium golf ball specifically designed 
the tee and spin control around the green, the AD333’s for golfers that don’t possess tour-level swing speeds but
next generation speed dimple technology combines want the performance and feel of a tour ball. This super 
higher dimple uniformity and surface coverage to create soft three-piece golf ball features the same Spin Skin
longer distance and a truer ball flight in all conditions. technology incorporated in Srixon’s premium Z-STAR range.

srixon.co.uk srixon.co.uk 







MIZUNO MIZUNO

JPX £35 JPX-S £35
KEY FEATURES Increased yardage in a soft and KEY FEATURES The JPX-S is a soft compression 
responsive package. Featuring a ‘Dimple-Cluster’ edition of Mizuno’s three-piece ball that produces 
design, Mizuno’s ball engineers found that by focusing a balanced performance for a wider range
on dimple performance in the ‘descent phase’, they of swing speeds and features an enhanced 
could effectively extend airtime and overall distance. version of Mizuno’s Dimple-Cluster design.
golf.mizunoeurope.com golf.mizunoeurope.com 


BUYER’S GUIDE

BRIDGESTONE
B330 RX £36
KEY FEATURES Ideally suited for those with swing
speeds under 105 mph, the B330 RX features the same
SlipRes cover as the other B330 models, giving tour-level
performance for those with below tour-level swing speeds.
bridgestonegolf.com
BRIDGESTONE
B330 RXS £36
KEY FEATURES The very soft AMATOURcore is easily
compressed and designed to reduce spin off the driver to
increase your ball speed and distance. Bridgestone says it
flies 16% straighter than its competitors’ tour spec balls.
bridgestonegolf.com
 Duns Golf Club
THE BEAUTY OF THE BORDERS

Membership Rates
Full membership £300
Senior (65-79) £245
Student £155
Adult beginner £130
Country £50
Junior £25-60
Founded in 1889, Orkney Golf Club
has an 18 hole course and is the Green Fees
oldest club in Orkney. Situated on Adult (day) £25
the outskirts of Kirkwall the course is Junior (day) £5
5,542 yards long and offers beautiful
panoramic views over the Northern
Isles and the Royal Burgh of Kirkwall
with the magnificent 12th Century
St. Magnus Cathedral towering above
the town.

Grain Bank, Kirkwall, Orkney KW15 1RD

+44(0)1856 872457
www.orkneygolfclub.co.uk

Dodhead, Burntisland, Fife KY3 9LQ

Burntisland Golf House Club www.burntislandgolfhouseclub.co.uk

Golf has been played at Burntisland in Fife

since 1797 – historians suggest 1688! The
original Burntisland Golf Club is officially
LIFESTYLE MEMBERSHIP - JUST £199!
recognised as the 10th oldest club in the 2017 Visitors and Group Bookings – variety of packages starting at £22 a round or
world. £30 including food, with tee times available 7 days a week.
First surveyed by Old Tom Morris, the
Dodhead parkland layout of 1896 was Lifestyle Membership only £199 – 12 rounds of golf anytime in 2017, 7 days a week
designed by Willie Park Jnr, twice Open
from 12:00. Obtain, retain a handicap, and play in club competitions or play a social
champion, and updated by James Braid in
round of golf with friends. Full credit given if upgrading to other membership category.
1922.
Burntisland, is an 18-hole parkland
course measuring 5995 yards, with a par Burntisland Golf House Club can offer a complete golfing experience and can arrange a
of 70 and is set above the coastal fringe, tailor made package for your group or corporate day. To make an enquiry or to book tee time
with stunning views up and down the Forth call the Pro-Shop 01592 872116 or email info@burntislandgolfhouseclub.co.uk or click
estuary. on the online booking button.

Visitors online booking: www.brsgolf.com/burntisland/visitor_home.php | Groups Societies information: www.burntislandgolfhouseclub.co.uk/groupssocieties

For more information about Membership Offers contact the club Secretary – David McPherson on 01592 874093 or email info@burntislandgolfhouseclub.co.uk
 BALLS










TITLEIST TITLEIST 
VELOCITY £26 DT TRUSOFT £22

KEY FEATURES A ball that is ‘powered for distance’, the Velocity KEY FEATURES If you are looking for added distance
provides fast initial ball speeds on full swings thanks to its large but with a soft feel then look no further. This soft 
LSX core, while the spherically-tiled 328 tetrahedral dimple compression golf ball is extremely durable and offers
design provides a soaring flight to maximise carry distances. the best in soft feel and consistent performance.

titleist.co.uk titleist.co.uk 







WILSON STAFF
TAFF SRIXON 
DX2 SOFTT £19.99 DISTANCEE £18.99

KEY FEATURES The original low compression golf ball, the KEY FEATURES Designed for those with low to mid
Wilson Staff DX2 Soft delivers exceptional feel and superior swing speeds and who are looking to see some 
distance. Its ground-breaking 29 compression is achieved serious gains in distance. Srixon’s engineers have 
by a soft rubber-rich core. The two-piece construction refined this ball to give higher initial velocity, a softer
minimises spin to produce a long, consistent ball flight off compression compared to the previous model, and a 
the tee while maintaining playability around the greens. penetrating ball flight to provide optimum distance.
wilson.com srixon.co.uk 


BUYER’S GUIDE

MACGREGOR
GOR
SLAZENGER
ER DCT TOUR
R £17
SOFT XTREME
EME £21
£21.99
99 (15 pack)
k)
KEY FEATURES This two-piece golf ball features a
KEY FEATURES Crafted with a large core for exceptional distance, lithium Surlyn cut-proof cover for long-term durability
this ball’s soft Surlyn cover offers brilliant durability and soft and increased spin control around the greens. An
feel around the greens. The 322 dimple design ensures more aerodynamic and symmetrical dimple design increases
distance and a wonderful flight, and at an amazing price, too. lift and reduces drag for increased distance.
sportsdirect.com macgregor-golf.co.uk

A new 16-groove
configuration incorporates
an added groove near the
leading edge for added
stopping power, especially
on pitches and chips.
CALLAWAY
Sure Out £99
WEDGES
Renowned coach Hank Haney
was puzzled by the fact that
most wedges on the market
are designed more with the
tour player in mind rather than
the average golfer. Both he
and Callaway set out to design
a wedge that would offer
more game improvement to
amateur golfers, but provide
the versatility and playability
desired by better players.
For many golfers that struggle
around the greens, the Sure
Out Wedge could be exactly
what they are looking for.
The enhanced camber, high
bounce Sure Out sole glides
cleanly through sand without
the need to open the face
z at address, generating easy,
YOUR GUIDE high, soft-landing shots, and
TO THE it is also designed to power
BEST GOLF smoothly through heavy grass.
EQUIPMENT callawaygolf.com
CALLAWAY
Mack Daddy Forged £139
Callaway’s master wedge
designer Roger Cleveland
has worked closely with tour
pros to create a premium set
of wedges that can be played
by golfers of all levels.
The new shape of the Mack
Daddy Forged wedges sees
less offset, a squarer toe and
a straighter leading edge,
giving a clean, traditional
appearance at address that
is preferred by tour players.
Added control comes from
progressive CG positioning, in
which the CG gradually moves
upward as the loft of each
wedge increases, promoting
a lower and easier-to-control
flight in the higher lofts without
sacrificing spin, making it
easier to attack the pin.
The new ‘R’ sole grind makes
a broad range of greenside
shots easy to play, from
square-faced bump and
runs, to open-faced flops
and everything in between.
callawaygolf.com
Seventeen
full-face grooves
and an aggressive
groove geometry
help stop the
ball fast even on
off-centre hits.
 WEDGES
PING 
Glide 2.0 £130

New, sharper-edged grooves are spaced closer together
for increased friction, imparting more spin for precise 
distance and trajectory control on full swings and delicate
shots around the green. Testing carried out by Ping showed 
that tour players were seeing spin-rate increases of 1,000

to 1,500 rpm on partial shots and gains of more than 500
rpm on full shots when compared to their current wedges. 
Four sole grind options ensure these wedges can be fitted
to your attack angle and most common turf conditions. 
ping.com





TAYLORMADE 
Milled Grind £139

These new wedges from TaylorMade are
the result of years of experience and close 
collaboration with some of the company’s
best tour players. Three high-performance 
grinds are tailored for various playing 
conditions and player types. Each leading
edge and sole grind is individually CNC milled 
for unparalleled accuracy and consistency
from club to club and grind to grind. 
The soft 8620 carbon steel makes this the most
precise, balanced and best feeling 
wedge that TaylorMade has ever produced. 
World No.1 Dustin Johnson has been using
them to devastating effect this season, 
whilst they were in the bag of Sergio
Garcia at Augusta National. 
taylormadegolf.co.uk



What does bounce mean?
BUYER’S GUIDE
CHOOSING the correct bounce can play Diggers will benefit more from wedges
a huge role in helping your game. The with a higher bounce, whereas Bounce is the
bounce angle is the angle at which the sweepers want less bounce. angle at which
leading edge sits above the ground If you play on a firm course or you the leading
at address and acts to prevent the often thin the ball, you will also see edge sits above
leading edge from digging into the turf. the benefits of playing a wedge with the ground.
Determining your angle of attack less bounce and a narrow sole grind.
is the first step when deciding what The opposite is true for those who
bounce you should be playing with. If tend to play on softer, wetter courses
you have a steep angle of attack and and tend to hit it fat. The higher bounce
often take large divots, then you are a and a wider sole will help the club to
digger. If, however, you have a shallow glide out of the turf with more ease. If
angle of attack, take small divots and you are not sure what bounce to play
clip the ball off the turf, you are a with, get fitted and you’ll likely see your
sweeper. short game improve.
 COBRA
King Pur £89
The new King Pur wedges are constructed
from Raw 304 stainless steel to maximise
spin performance with ultra-precise
grooves and create a finish that diffuses
sunlight to reduce glare at address. A taller
muscleback design places more mass
directly behind the hitting zone to deliver
softer feel and tighter shot dispersion.
Like its predecessor, the King Pur is
available in Cobra’s three sole grind
configurations that feature the iconic
Cobra ‘notch’, providing golfers with the
ability to choose the perfect wedge for
their game and for any turf condition.
cobragolf.co.uk

MIZUNO
T7 £120
The T7 wedge increases the reliability of Mizuno’s
precise Grain Flow Forged heads with longer
lasting spin control. Forged from a single steel
billet and infused with trace amounts of Boron,
the T7 boasts more durable grooves that are
designed to maximise spin on both full and
partial shots. Playability is further increased
due to the wide and shallow groves on the
higher lofted wedges (54-62˚) and deeper
narrower grooves on the lower lofts (45-53˚).
The T7 is available in 29 loft/bounce options
and comes in Blue IP and White Satin finishes.
golf.mizunoeurope.com

TOUR STATS
We all know Tour pros are short game maestros,
but who topped the stats last season on the PGA Tour?

Sand Save % GIR % (under 100 yards) Scrambling %

1. Sean O’Hair 62.42% 1. J.J. Henry 92.61% 1. Steve Stricker 66.01%
2. Jason Day 62.26% 2. Sergio Garcia 91.60% 2. Bryce Molder 65.38%
3. Phil Mickelson 61.54% 3. Stewart Cink 91.27% 3. Alex Cejka 65.03%
 WEDGES
TITLEIST
VOKEY DESIGN SM6 £140 
Designed by Master Craftsman 
Bob Vokey, the SM6 is the most
played wedge across worldwide 
professional tours. A progressive
CG aligns the CG with the impact 
position of each loft throughout

the wedge set to produce
precise distance and trajectory 
control with exceptional feel. TX4
grooves feature a new parallel 
face texture that creates a more
consistent groove edge and 
tighter quality tolerances for more

spin. With a massive selection
of different lofts and grinds to 
choose from you will be able find
the perfect wedge set up for your 
bag with the Vokey SM6s.
titleist.co.uk 






Is it time to replace your wedges? 

M
OST AVERAGE golfers
hit around six greens in
regulation per round,
meaning we often use our
wedges more than any other
club in the bag. All wedges
wear over time, eventually
reducing the spin and control
you have.
Using a proprietary wedge
robot, the Vokey R&D team
decided to research groove
degradation in order to
determine when you should
be changing your wedges. A
new wedge with fresh grooves
was tested against ones that
had been used for 75 and 125
rounds of play.
The results below go to
show the stopping power
fresh grooves can have. Kevin
Tassistro, director of wedge
development at Titleist, said:
“By having a fresh set of
grooves, the average golfer
is going to have more control,
more confidence and, in the
end, hit the ball closer to the
hole.” Fourteen more feet of
roll-out could be the difference
between giving yourself a
birdie chance and the ball
rolling off the green.
WHAT THE PROS SAY 
JORDAN SPIETH

“Fresh grooves, we have to have them.

Our tour pins are tucked in tight spots,
so you have to be able to hit it low
and hit it high with the right amount 
of spin. If the grooves are not fresh, 
you’re going to get inconsistency.”

ADAM SCOTT
“It’s vital during the year to have 
nice, clean, sharp grooves. It’s no
coincidence that there are four 
majors and I switch my wedges out
four times per year. I want ultimate
BUYER’S GUIDE
performance for those four events.”

WEDGE DEGRADATION
125 75 Fresh
Rounds Rounds grooves
35° launch 35° launch 33° launch
angle, angle, angle,
6500 RPM spin, 7400 RPM spin, 8500 RPM spin,
24 feet of 18 feet of 10 feet of
roll out. roll out. roll out.
SUKIRA GOLF ARDEER GOLF CLUB
www.ardeergolfclub.co.uk
We have designed the JB1 driver with very simplistic
lines, the much loved pear drop shape retained. The head
is constructed in two parts as opposed to the usual 3 or 4
usually used. How is this possible? Well the main shell is
cast from light but durable 6-4 titanium, whilst the deep
face is forged from SP700 titanium alloy then plasma
welded. This method of design requires just one weld,
as opposed to the usual 3 or 4. So if this method is such
a good idea, why don’t all manufacturers use it? In one
word, cost! It is far more expensive to cast a one-piece
shell, than it is to press
out the various parts from m
plate then weld.
This cast-constructed
method directs more Looking to play golf in Ayrshire,
energy forward to the then look no further
cup face; even an average e Tuesday and Thursday golf for £15 only.
player can feel the Available for outings, great deals available, full catering.
difference. It has a very
solid sound on contact
Deals for 5 day membership,
with the ball. As the
player gradually tunes
New Member Youths and 2nd Club available,
into the JB1, it will soon Deal Arrangements for fees to be paid
prove to become a very MRRP monthly can be made through
workable driver. £249
15% off fees Zebra Finance. Approx £55/month.
MRRP £249. From 1st May 2017.
Don’t Delay call today Hall for Hire, only £25
www.sukiragolf.com
sales@sukiragolf.com For further info - call: 01294 464542 or email: info@ardeergolfclub.co.uk
 WEDGES









WILSON STAFF CLEVELAND
FG TOUR PMP OIL CAN £100 RTX-3 £109 
Wilson Staff is now offering its premium wedges in Cleveland has revolutionised its design process in 
a new Oil Can colourway for 2017. This tour-proven order to get you closer to the hole. Feel Balancing
wedge creates maximum spin on full and partial shots technology shifts the CG closer to the centre of the 
with optimal feel. Each wedge features precision clubhead, decreasing vibration and maximising head
milled performance thanks to new maximum volume stability at impact, leading to a tighter shot dispersion. 
milled HM grooves and 11 laser-etched Micro Spin Three tour-proven grinds have been engineered to
lines between each groove. Tour, Wide, and Traditional help get the clubhead through the turf faster at impact,

grinds are available, as well as numerous loft and promoting a crisper feel and increased spin and control 
bounce options. from any lie.
wilson.com clevelandgolf.co.uk 










BUYER’S GUIDE

LYNX
TOUR £65
Hand-forged from heat-treated 8620 mild carbon steel,
to ensure tight tolerances and consistency, the Tour
Wedge range complements Lynx’s Tour Blades with a
choice of Retro Fossil or Chrome finishes. The classic
tear-drop design looks great to the discerning eye and is
complemented by the milled face that offers exceptionally
soft feel. Its simple look with great performance makes
this a real delight around the greens.
lynxgolf.co.uk
LYNX
PREDATOR £40
Lynx wanted to create a great looking wedge at an
affordable price and that’s exactly the brand has done
with the Predator. Based on a ‘tour’ shape design, the
Predator looks fantastic, feels great and features an
optimal bounce set-up to make any shot possible. It is
the great price tag, however, that really stands out with
this offering from Lynx.
lynxgolf.co.uk
 WISHON
PCF MICRO TOUR £75
This traditional wedge design features a milled face
and Micro-Groove ‘scorelines’ that combine to offer an
incredible level of backspin. These scorelines are more
narrow and closer together than traditional grooves.
The design allows the edges of five lines to contact the
ball at impact while traditional lines only allow three. A
‘zero-bounce heel’ ensures the leading edge remains
low to the ground when the face is rolled open, making
finesse shots easier.
wishongolf.com
SLAZENGER
P500 FORGED £59.99
The Slazenger P500 Forged Wedge has been
engineered with a premium stainless steel head
design and a steel shaft. Perfect for beginners
and high handicappers, this sleek forged
wedge is available in 52˚, 56˚ and 60˚ lofts, as
well as either satin or gunmetal finishes.
sportsdirect.com
144 BUNKERED.CO.UK
BENROSS
TRIBE MDR £59.99
From Benross’ new Tribe short game division, the
MDR offers exceptional performance and feel in a
premium-plated finish. Improved shot stability has
been achieved thanks to an increased hosel length,
while the strategically designed cavity slot has
optimised the CG. CNC milled face grooves and a
premium KBS Tour 90 shaft promote a high launching
and high spinning ball flight, giving you maximum
control around the greens.
benrossgolf.com
MACGREGOR
RESPONSE DT £39.99
Manufactured from the finest steel, this wedge is designed to
provide a soft feel with enhanced feedback. Its classic head
shape will suit the eye of most golfers, while larger grooves
create exceptional control and optimised spin, even from
the rough. Available in either satin or black nickel finishes,
these wedges feature premium components, including soft
compound grips for greater traction and enhanced feel when
tackling those delicate shots around the green.
macgregor-golf.co.uk
 POLOS

GALVIN GREEN MITCHELL £95 
Galvin Green’s VENTIL8 range makes
use of carefully selected materials with 
unique properties to transport moisture 
and excess heat away twice as quickly
as a conventional polyester golf shirt. 
The new VENTIL8 PLUS Mitchell
short-sleeved shirt boasts a sporty 
design and offers all the benefits
of the special fabric technology, 
such as extreme breathability and 
moisture management, body mapping
technology and 20+ UV protection. 
SIZES S-XXL
COLOURS 5 options available 
galvingreen.com












GALVIN GREEN MELVIN £75

This light, soft and comfortable short-sleeved VENTIL8
shirt has been developed specially for golfers. It 
offers excellent breathability and durability.
SIZES S-XXL COLOURS 5 options available 
galvingreen.com


POLOS


BUYER’S GUIDE

PUMA ROAD MAP ASYM £45 PUMA TAILORED COLOURBLOCK £45

z
YOUR GUIDE Engineered with DryCELL technology to draw sweat A slightly leaner cut through the chest and shoulders
TO THE away from your skin, this polo also features a UV provides a more sophisticated fit with stretch
BEST GOLF resistant finish to protect you from the sun’s radiation. materials to ensure maximum freedom of movement.
APPAREL SIZES S-XXL COLOURS 5 options available SIZES S-XXL COLOURS 4 options available
cobragolf.co.uk cobragolf.co.uk
GLENMUIR OXFORD TIPPED £49.95
Made from 100% mercerised cotton, this stylish, premium
polo features anti-curl collar and cuffs, tape detail in the
placket and the iconic Glenmuir 1891 logo on the sleeve.
SIZES S-XXL COLOURS 3 options available
glenmuir.com
ADIDAS CLIMACHILL HEATHER BLOCK COMPETITON
£44.95
Maximum cooling is provided thanks to a mesh-like fabric and
aluminium-silver dots that conduct heat away from the body.
SIZES S-XXL COLOURS 4 options available
adidas.co.uk
MIZUNO JQ £50
In keeping with its tradition of technologically advanced
performance apparel, this polo features Mizuno’s Drylite
fabric engineering to help wick moisture away from the skin
SIZES S-XXL COLOURS 3 options available
golf.mizunoeurope.com
GLENMUIR COLOUR BLOCK PERFORMANCE £34.95
A Lightweight and breathable performance fabric wicks
moisture away, allowing you to stay cool on those warm
summer days.
SIZES S-XXL COLOURS 3 options available
glenmuir.com
ADIDAS CLIMACOOL GRADIENT STRIPE £59.95
Soft doubleknit fabric, with Climacool technology, provides
airy-cool comfort by effectively managing heat and sweat. The
stylish stripe print across the body fades out towards the hem.
SIZES S-XXL COLOURS 3 options available
adidas.co.uk
MIZUNO SUBLIMATION £50
A striking pattern is featured on this soft-to-the-touch and
stretchable polo. Comfort is enhanced with Mizuno’s Drylite
fabric engineering.
SIZES S-XXL COLOURS 3 options available
golf.mizunoeurope.com
 POLOS

CALLAWAY CHEV BLOCKED £34.99 
Callaway’s 2017 Spring-Summer collection
combines modern colours, styles and 
fits with innovative performance fabrics. 
This tech-packed polo features Callaway
Opti-Dri technology that transfers moisture 
away from the body and Opti-Stretch
technology so the garment works with the 
golf swing to ensure the maximum range of
motion. This particular polo has a UV 50+ 
rating thanks to Opti-Shield technology that 
protects against the sun’s harmful rays.
SIZES S-XXXL COLOURS 7 options available 
callawayeuropeapparel.com













CALLAWAY STRIPED DIAGONAL £54.99

This slim-fit polo is part of Callaway’s X-range collection
and features Opti-Stretch and Opti-Dri technology. 
SIZES S-XXL COLOURS 3 options available
callawayeuropeapparel.com 



BUYER’S GUIDE

PING BRETT £60 PING HARRIS £60

COOLMAX All Season fabric technology transports moisture
away from the body to keep you cool and dry on hot days, while
the fibre structure provides insulation on colder days.
SIZES S-XXXL COLOURS 3 options available
ping.com
Like the Brett polo, left, the Harris features COOLMAX for
pemanent cooling power, is crease resistant, quick drying
and offers UPF 40+ protection from the sun.
SIZES S-XXXL COLOURS 2 options available
ping.com

OSCAR JACOBSON ACE TOUR £55
Cut to fit you better, this shirt offers plenty of stretch for full
freedom of movement and has a classic three-button placket
and flat knit collar, making it ideal either on or off the course.
SIZES S-XXL COLOURS 2 options available
oscarjacobson.com
FOOTJOY STRETCH LISLE COLOUR
BLOCK WITH SPACE DYE £60
FootJoy’s 2017 Sping-Summer collection offers
a wealth of garments, designed to ‘make
every day playable’. What’s more, it features
a plethora of choices for golfers thanks to the
introduction of four new colour schemes.
This athletic-fit shirt boasts exclusive ProDry Fabric,
which offers extreme comfort throughout the golf
swing, with virtually no wrinkling. It also provides UV
sun protection and an anti-microbial finish to keep
odour build-up at bay.
SIZES S-XXL COLOURS 4 options available
footjoy.co.uk
FOOTJOY STRETCH PIQUE COLOUR BLOCK & CONTRAST
TRIM £47.50
A fashionable choice with top performance credentials, this
polo also features FootJoy’s ProDry Fabric technology
SIZES S-XXL COLOURS 4 options available
footjoy.co.uk
OSCAR JACOBSON ALRIC PIN £55
Comfort is enhanced in this polo thanks the moisture wicking
properties of the fabric used. It also offers stretch for freedom
of movement and a better fit for added comfort.
SIZES S-XXL COLOURS 2 options available
oscarjacobson.com
 POLOS









BUNKER MENTALITY CMAX BOLD STRIPE £58 BUNKER MENTALITY CMAX SIDE STRIPE £58 
CMAX is a high performance polyester fabric that keeps you The CMAX Side Stripe features new Polygiene technology, 
more comfortable during the round by wicking sweat away from keeping you odour-free no matter the conditions. It is also
the body to the garment’s surface, where it can then evaporate. incredibly breathable and offers SPF 50 UV protection. 
SIZES XS-XXXL COLOURS 2 options available SIZES XS-XXXL COLOURS 2 options available

bunker-mentality.com bunker-mentality.com










DUNNING NATURAL HAND £75 CHERVÒ ALERMAN £92.50

Incorporating a timeless style and giving premium performance, Chervò’s new Alerman luxury polo comes in a range of vibrant
Dunning’s technical golf sportswear blends luxurious colours and offers superior protection against the sun thanks 
performance fabrics with clean designs. to the Italian company’s cutting-edge Sun-Block technology.
SIZES XS-XXL COLOURS 16 options available SIZES S-XXXL COLOURS 4 options available 
dunning.cc chervo.com



BUYER’S GUIDE

NIKE AEROREACT BLADE £55 SLAZENGER FINE STRIPE £39.99 (£14.99)

Nike AeroReact technology uses fibres that open
to increase breathability when you sweat and
close to lock in warmth as you cool down.
SIZES S-XXL COLOURS 4 options available
nike.com/golf
The finely striped design gives this polo a great ‘sporty’ look
and is crafted with HydroGuard Cool Technology to assist in
keeping your body cool and dry throughout the round.
SIZES M-XXXL COLOURS 3 options available
store.slazenger.com (sportsdirect.com)

STUBURT HYDRO-SPORT BLOCK £24.99
With an eye-catching design, this extremely breathable polo
features Stuburt’s DRI-back moisture transfer technology,
which helps to wick moisture away from the skin.
SIZES S-XXXL COLOURS 4 options available
stuburt.com
UNDER ARMOUR THREADBORNE £60
Under Armour is known for its
technologically-advanced golf apparel
and this is latest offering is no different.
Innovative Threadborne Microthread
technology in the fabric allows the shirt
to dry faster, meaning it won’t cling to
you, won’t chafe and stretches without
absorbing sweat. Its Moisture Transport
System also helps to wick sweat, while
its four-way stretch fabrication allows for
greater mobility in any direction. Rounding
off this tech-packed polo is anti-odour
technology that prevents the growth of
odour-causing microbes.
SIZES S-XXL COLOURS 2 options available
underarmour.co.uk
UNDER ARMOUR COOLSWITCH UPRIGHT £55
This shirt features the modern styling we’ve come to except from
the performance-led brand and also offers 30+ UPF protection
against the sun’s harmful rays.
SIZES S-XXL COLOURS 4 options available
underarmour.co.uk
STUBURT URBAN BLOCK £21.99
This versatile pique polo is woven from a high quaility
breathable fabric for added comfort and features
Stuburt’s DRI-back moisture transfer technology.
SIZES S-XXXL COLOURS 4 options available
stuburt.com
 EXTRA LISTINGS
MIZUNO SPRING/SUMMER 2017
M
IZUNO is offering Drylite, Warmalite and movement, it
a new collection Windlite performance features Mizuno’s
of technologically technologies to enable Warmalite fabric
advanced performance you to play your best in technology, which
apparel that has all conditions. One of recycles escaping 
been designed to the standout products body heat for extra
reflect the company’s of this new collection insulation making it 
unique Japanese is the Warm Layer ideal for those chilly
heritage. Simple, quarter-zip. Offering summer evenings. 
classic looks combine incredible stretch golf.mizunoeurope.
with Mizuno’s proven for full freedom of com 




















BUYER’S GUIDE

z z
ADIDAS ULTIMATE
365 3 STRIPES PANT
Made of lightweight, moisture
wicking polyester, these offer
plenty of stretch so you move
smoothly through every part of
your swing. They are finished
WATCH OUR with traditional details for a
GEAR REVIEWS polished on-course look and
Get the verdict on the feature a silicone Adidas printed
latest gear direct from gripper to keep shirts tucked in.
the bunkered team adidas.co.uk
youtube.com/bunkered £49.95
OSCAR JACOBSON
GREGORY PIN
A lightweight three-layer
gilet designed to offer added
warmth as an outer layer.
The extremely stylish gilet
features four-way stretch
ability, advanced cut lines for
the ultimate fit, and a full zip
design plus a handy zipped
chest pocket.
oscarjacobson.com
£99
z
LYNX MASTER
MODEL PUTTER
Lynx’s new, limited edition,
Master Model putter is made
from a one-piece computer
milled head with a CNC milled
face, providing ultimate putting
performance. Made in a classic
blade design, it features a unique
crystal alignment aid and has an
anti-glare finish.
lynxgolf.co.uk
£179
 Full Memberships are available
Located in a magnificent rural idyll, the resort and golf course is named
from £300
after the original 16th Century Brunston Castle. Set in 250 acres of
Group bookings are available at landscaped grounds in the peaceful Girvan Valley, just five miles from
Ayrshire’s picturesque coastline.
competitive prices on request.

Midweek
Muckhart Golf Club £28
Weekend
Framed with the breathtaking backdrop of the Ochil Hills this welcoming club has
three differing courses of nine holes which are all both beginner and seasoned golfer
£35
friendly. Visit and play for the day, or come and join our inclusive club, you’ll be Visitors
Visitors and parties welcome 7 days a week.
made to feel as though you belong. Parties, please phone for best rates.
Whether you enjoy a delicious meal or light refreshments in the clubhouse, or Restaurant open 9am - 10pm
treat yourself to something in our well stocked pro shop, we hope you’ll enjoy the Brunston Castle Golf Club
Muckhart experience. T: 01465 811471
enquiries@brunstoncastlegolfclub.co.uk
Drumburn Road, Muckhart, By Dollar FK14 7JH Seasons Holidays | Self catering holiday cottages
T: 01259 781423 | www.muckhartgolf.com Driving Range • Well Stocked Golf Shop • Buggies Available • Group discount rates available

A taste of Augusta - here at Pitreavie

12th Green Augusta 12th Green Pitreavie

designed by designed by
Dr Alister MacKenzie Dr Alister MacKenzie

An outstanding venue for your visiting party or society outing

Queensferry Rd, Dunfermline KY11 8PR · 01383 722591

www.pitreaviegolfclub.co.uk/visitors

The best of golf around the globe
NEW ZEALAND MALYASIA
Experience some of the How the so-called ‘Wild
most dramatic courses East’ is helping power
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PAGE 156 PAGE 158
A LITTLE W BUDGET
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The Red course was
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Crenshaw describes it
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PAGE 160
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wind through decades-old … DUBSDREAD
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Meanwhile, the Blue Sam Snead and Ben
course is just as appealing. Hogan down the years.
It seems to have been
designed by discovery † ORANGE LAKE
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Log onto
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TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE 153
to Access Our Golf Group Deal of The Day
 OLD MILTON ESTATE
KINGUSSIE, INVERNESS-SHIRE
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For over 130 years, the Atholl Palace has

been a spectacular venue for weddings HISTORIC
and celebrations.
ARBROATH
GOLF LINKS
Arbroath Golf Links was designed originally by
Old Tom Morris in 1877, redesigned by Willie
Fernie in 1907 and then altered by James Braid
in 1931. This is a traditional links course with
undulating fairways and dunes that run the
length of the course on the seaward side which
means the wind is always a factor. There are
bunkers and burns a plenty on the course, but
the rough is well cut back making it suitable for
all level of players. This is a must play course for
all connoisseurs of links golf situated 8 miles from
Carnoustie. Any visitor who takes out a Green fee
Ticket is welcomed to use the Arbroath Artisan
Golf Club and its facilities.

With a variety of decadent function suites,

magnificent gardens and spa facilities and an
expert wedding team, we will ensure that every
GREEN FEE PRICES FROM
detail of the best day of your life runs smoothly
and your dream wedding becomes a reality. Weekday £15
Weekend £15
Discounts available for groups
Twilight golf available
SPECIAL OFFER
Monday to Friday £50 pp
Min 4 (must be booked in advance)
2 rounds of golf, bacon roll
and coffee
Soup & sandwich, 2 course meal
RECENT EVENTS
2015 Scottish Youth Champion.
2016 Co Host World Hickory
Champion.
2016 Senior Golf Circuit
Pro Event.

ATHOLLPALACE.COM
ACCOMMODATION
 We are fortunate to have 3 B/Bs on our doorstep, all highly recommended that
cater for golf parties.
• 5 Gables House literally 20 yds from the first tee 01241 871632 for bookings
• Inishowen Guest House 300 yds from first tee 01241 871922 for bookings
Tel: 01796 472400 • Brucefield Boutique B/B is situated in the town 01241 875393 for booking

Email: weddings@athollpalace.com CONTACT

Golf Professional Lindsay Ewart for all fees and bookings on 01241 875837
Pitlochry, Perthshire, Scotland PH16 5LX or Email: lindsay.ewart@btconnect.com or check out our website on
www.arbroathgolfcourse.co.uk
 In association with

z
THE BAHAMAS
As reported by Golf Course
Architecture, Tiger Woods Design
has been commissioned to create a
new ten-hole course that will form
part of a new resort named Jack’s
Bay in the Bahamas. Provisional
plans for an 18-hole course at the
resort have also emerged, with Tiger
Woods Design working as the golf
course consultant.
jacksbayclub.com

z
JORDAN
Ayla’s world-class golfing facilities
stretch over 120 hectares of lush
and sandy landscapes, and offer
stunning views of the Red Sea, Gulf
of Aqaba and mountain ranges
in the East and West. Ayla boasts
a par-72 championship course, a
nine-hole par-3 practice course,
maintenance facility, Golf Academy
and a welcoming clu house. Etched
out from the desert, the grass was

Enjoy five-star luxury at Finca Cortesin

carefully selected to allow for
year-round play.
ayla.com.jo
Stick this stunning Spanish resort to the top of your hit list
“Golf is a puzzle

L
OCATED in the hosted numerous treatments by without an answer.
rolling hills of high-profile events French beauty brand I’ve played the game
southern Spain including the Volvo Boilogique Recherche.
for 40 years and I still
between Marbella and World Match Play in Three-night
Sotogrande, with the 2009, 2011 and 2012. breaks start from haven’t the slightest
Mediterranean to one Complementing the £817pp and include idea how to play.”
side and the Casares par-72 layout are accommodation in a Gary Player
Mountains to the other, outstanding practice Junior or Executive
Finca Cortesin Hotel, facilities, including a Suite, daily breakfast, z
Golf & Spa offers state-of-the-art Jack two rounds of golf POLAND
one of the best golf Nicklaus Golf Academy. and use of practice Modry Las Golf Club is launching a
experiences in Europe. Regularly ranked facilities, access to unique, time-limited offer that gives
Opened in 2009 and among the best layouts the luxury Spa and golfers a complimentary round
set across a vast 532- in Spain, Masters an optional Spa on their award-winning Orli Las
acre estate, golfers can champion Sergio assessment. course when they play one round
enjoy five-star luxury Garcia compared the In addition, guests on the Gary Player-designed 18-hole
on and off the fairways quality and speed of will receive a number championship course. Described
at the Spanish resort the greens to Augusta of other benefits, as a ‘cleverly crafted championship
this year. when he competed including a welcome course in miniature’, the nine-hole
The resort’s there. gift of two Finca Orli Las course weaves through
championship course Finca Cortesin’s Cortesin polo shirts and a lush Polish forest with stunning
was designed by other world-class caps, a complimentary
lakeside views.
world-renowned facilities include an seasonal fresh
modrylas.pl
architect Cabell elegant 67-suite hotel, fruit basket and
Robinson and has Hotel Cortesin, a refreshments in your
z
6,000sq/m room, and access to
Beach the resort’s Beach Club LAS COLINAS
Club and during the summer Las Colinas - one of Spain’s premier
an award- season (including free golf destinations - has recently
winning Spa shuttle service). A installed Trackman 3e technology,
featuring seven-night package offering visiting golfers the chance to
Spain’s comes in at £1,309pp. benefit from the same performance
only snow Call +34 952 937 analysis used by the best players on
cave, with 800 or email reservas@ the PGA and European Tours.
bespoke hotelcortesin.com lascolinasgolf.es

TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE 155
THE BEST OF
NEW ZEALAND
From rugged cliff-top courses to
classic links, the Kiwis have got the lot
N
EW ZEALAND
BOASTS an
impressive reputation
for producing top quality
golfers. From former
Open champion Sir Bob
Charles, to 2005 US
Open champion Michael
Campbell, to the current
women’s world No.1
Lydia Ko, the Kiwis have
a proven track record of
creating and identifying
world-class talent.
That, in no small part,
is down to the fabulous
selection of courses this
small but magnificent
country has to offer.
Indeed, recent statistics
show that New Zealand
has the second highest
number of courses per
capita in the world,
second only to Scotland.
It is also the highest club
participation sport in the
country, with around half a
million people playing the
game regularly.
Clearly, then, this is a
place well worth getting
to know a little better and
where better to start than
Kauri Cliffs. Located in
the brilliantly-named ‘Far
North District’, around
three hours’ drive north
of Auckland, it is a ‘must
visit’ in every sense. It was
designed by Dave Harman
with 15 of its 18 holes
offering stunning views of
the Pacific Ocean. Six of
them, in fact, play along
cliffs that plunge deep into
the sea. It is an exhilarating
test in every respect.
Comparisons have been
drawn between it and
its sister course, Cape
156 BUNKERED.CO.UK
Kidnappers. It, too, is also
a cliff-top golf course
situated in an enormous
track of land, albeit 500
miles to the south of Kauri
Cliffs. Designed by Tom
Doak - the man behind
The Renaissance in East
Lothian - it opened for play
in 2004 and is perched
on top of 450ft-high cliffs,
overlooking the entirety of
Hawke Bay. Many of the
holes run along narrow
fingers of land until you
find yourself on a green
sitting on what appears to
be the edge of the world.
It’s unlike anything else
you’ll ever experience.
If you’re planning to
base yourself in New
Zealand’S capital city
Wellington, then check
out Paraparaumu Beach.
Only 40 minutes north of
New Zealand’s capital, it
is widely considered to be
one of the best courses in
the country. A host venue
for the New Zealand Open
on 12 different occasions
since 1959, it wouldn’t
look out of place amongst
some of Scotland’s most
famous links courses. by a select team of the Golf Club, a true gem of a
The same can be said country’s golf pros. course which boasts one
of Kinloch, the first and Wainui Golf Club is of the most breathtaking
so far only course in New another one for your backdrops you are
Zealand designed by itinerary. Described as ‘the ever likely to see. It is
18-time major winner Jack Phoenix that rose out of surrounded by mountains,
Nicklaus. It is located on the ashes of the Peninsula including the Remarkables
volcanic terrain, flanked Golf Club’, it only opened and Coronet Peak, and is
by craggy hills and the last year but is already proof that some of the best
majestic Lake Taupo at reckoned to be one of the treats in golf come in small
the centre of the North top places to play in the packages. At under 6,000
Island. It is a rugged, Greater Auckland area. yards, it’s too short to host
rolling masterpiece that Planning on playing golf a modern professional
was deservedly rated in Queenstown? Situated tournament but lacks
as New Zealand’s No.1 just 20 minutes outside the nothing in challenge,
course as recently as 2014 town, you’ll find Arrowtown character and charm.

Kauri Cliffs
With a pleasant
temperature all year round,
wonderful places to stay
and explore, friendly
locals, and a selection of
world-class courses to
choose from, New Zealand
really has it all.
Whether it’s a golf
break with your friends
or a private getaway with
the family, the ‘Land of
the Long White Cloud’
promises an unforgettable
experience for all and one
you’ll be eager to repeat.
4 THINGS
TO SEE
IN NEW
ZEALAND
z MILFORD SOUND
If wildlife is what you’re
visiting New Zealand
for, then this is the place
for you. The fjord in the
south west of the South
Island is home to fur seal
colonies, penguins and
dolphins, and was once
described by Rudyard
Kipling as the ‘Eighth
Wonder of the World’.
z TONGARIRO
NATIONAL PARK
The oldest national
park in New Zealand is
located in the central
North Island. The active
volcanic mountains of
Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and
Tongariro are located in the
centre of the park, whilst
there are also a number
of Maori religious sites
contained within it, too.
z HOBBITON
You can’t really go to New
Zealand and not visit one
of the most iconic movie
sets in history. Experience
the real ‘Middle Earth’
by visiting the Hobbiton
Movie Set, above, from
the Lord Of The Rings
triolgy. You’ll find it in
Waikato, in the heart of
the North Island, where
guided tours are available.
z SKY TOWER
The tallest building in
New Zealand, the Sky
Tower can be found
in Auckland, where
visitors are able to enjoy
everything from a meal in
the revolving restaurant
Kinloch
at the top of it, to bungee
jumping from it.
TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE 157
WORDS MICHAEL MCEWAN PHOTOS SUPPLIED

ASIA’S HIDDEN
GOLFING GEM
Why Malaysia should figure in your thoughts
for your next long haul golf holiday

O
F THE 55 countries schedule, staging three was, in fact, on-hand to
that comprise Asia, editions of the Iskandor do the ribbon-cutting
53 have at least Johor Open. The par-3 - but it has already
one golf facility and, of 17th is arguably the pick established itself as
those, only five have of the holes, playing one of Malaysia’s
more than Malaysia. across water to an golfing standard-
Situated in south east island green. bearers. Its Valley
Asia and separated into The Els Club Desaru Course is a unique
two parts - Peninsular Coast is another ‘must 27-hole collaboration
Malaysia and East play’. It only opened between Ernie Els and
Malaysia - by the South in November last year fellow former world No.1
China Sea, the country - the Sultan of Johar and major champion
is home to 199 places Vijay Singh. Take your
to play golf, with more pick from three loops
MALAYSIA FACT-FILE of nine: the Coast, the
in the pipeline.
That’s because z CAPITAL Ridge and the Lakes.
business is booming Kuala Lumpur There’s also a ‘Little
there. Fuelled in the z CURRENCY East’ nine-hole course
main by its lucrative which provides great
Ringgit
energy, the Malaysian fun for all the family.
economy is currently z TIME ZONE Desaru Coast is
the 38th largest in the GMT +8 one of two facilities in
world. Whilst not as z POPULATION Malaysia to bear the
money-spinning as its 29.72 million Els’ name, the Teluk
oil and gas, Malaysia’s Datai in Langkawi
tourism sector is z MAIN LANGUAGE being the other. It
also helping boost Malay opened in December
revenue. The number z TOTAL COURSES 2014 on the site of
of international arrivals 199 the old Datai Bay golf
into the country each z OLDEST COURSE course and has already
year grew from 16.4m Royal Selangor (1893) been acclaimed as a
in 2005 to 25.7m in modern classic.
2015. Last year, that z TOP MALE PRO TPC Kuala Lumpur,
number jumped by 4% Gavin Green. The 23-year- Clearwater Sanctuary,
to 26.7m. Clearly, this old is of Portuguese, Irish The Mines and Saujana
is a country with lots and Chinese descent and are just some of the
to offer - and that rings represented Malaysia other places you
particularly true for in the 2016 Olympics. can play on a golf
golfers. z TOP FEMALE PRO holiday to Malaysia.
Malaysia got its Kelly Tan. A prolific winner Saujana, incidentally,
first course in 1893, during her amateur days, staged the Malaysian
with the opening Open between 1997
Tan turned professional in
of Royal Selangor and 2007, counting
2013 and earned her LPGA
Golf Club in Kuala the aforementioned
card for 2014 via Q-School. Singh, Thongchai
Lumpur. However, the
majority of courses z DID YOU KNOW? Jaidee, Arjun Atwal
are much newer than The Petronas Towers in and Scotland’s Alastair
that. Horizon Hills is a Kuala Lumpur are the Forsyth amongst its roll The spectacular
good example. Built call of champions. Horizon Hills Golf
tallest, free-standing, twin Resort cost $10m to
for a reported $10m, towers in the world. Each So, for a golf holiday buil and opened for
it opened in 2008 one measures almost 1,500 with a difference, play in 2008.
and, by 2010, it was feet from base to tip. consider Malaysia. You
on the European Tour won’t regret it.

158 BUNKERED.CO.UK
“Malaysia is home to 199 places
to play golf with even more
reported to be in the pipeline.”

TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE 159
WORDS CHRIS DOYLE PHOTOS SUPPLIED
Choices galore in
magical Mallorca
With over 19 different courses to choose from,
Mallorca is a hugely exciting golf destination
I
F YOU ARE looking for a
sunshine golf destination
that has a huge supply
of beautiful courses,
Mallorca is the place for
you. The largest of the
Balearic Islands, situated
off the east coast of
mainland Spain, it is home
to 19 fantastic layouts, all
located within an hour’s
drive of one another.
Of course, Mallorca’s
reputation as a top holiday
destination is already well
established. The island
has a population of over
one million but welcomes
more than eight times as
many visitors each year
- and, as word continues
to spread through the
golf community about the
superb courses it is home
to, you can expect that
figure to increase.
Alcanada, which opened
in the far north of the
island in 2003, is widely
regarded as the one of
the best courses on the
island, not to mention one
of the most scenic. With
brilliant vistas across the
bay of Alcudia, it is named
after a nearby island just
off the shore, home to a
lighthouse that you can
see from the majority of
holes. The course - owned
by the Porsche family -
also has many elevated
tee shots and tight, tree-
lined fairways to negotiate.
Similarly, Son Gual, just
a ten-minute drive east of
Palma airport, is another
course that you cannot
afford to miss on a visit to
Mallorca. What can you
expect? Well, according
to former Masters
champion Ian Woosnam
160 BUNKERED.CO.UK
it has shades of Augusta
National about it. If that
doesn’t get you licking
your lips, we don’t know
what will.
Golf Son Servera is the
second oldest club on the
island, having opened in
1967 just three years after
the original nine holes
were unveiled at Son Vida.
It is a picturesque course,
with mountains and the
bay of Cala Millor beyond.
Meanwhile, opened
in 1986 as a nine-hole
layout and extended in
1995, there is plenty of
charm about Real Golf
de Bendinat. At 6,190
yards, the par-70 course
requires strategy, skill and
placement rather than
brute force and power
to reap your rewards.
The course is a feast for
the eyes, too, sitting in a
wooded valley at the foot
of a mountain with some Main The sublime
Alcanada is one of the
breathtaking views of the top courses on Mallorca
surrounding area. Below right Son Muntaner
Mairoris is another fun is a formidable test for
experience, whilst there’s players of all standards
plenty to enjoy about Son
Muntaner, too, not least
the 1,000-year-old olive
tree that is found on the has staged numerous winning beaches where
15th hole. Golf de Andratx European Tour events you can soak up the sun.
in the south west of the since it opened in 1977. Cala Llombards, on the
island is a fantastic layout Away from the course, south east coast of the
that is home to the longest there is much to do to island, is arguably the pick
hole in Spain. Its sixth pass the time in Mallorca. of the bunch.
hole, the ‘Green Monster’, The island’s administrative With regular flights
measures more than 600 and cultural capital operating out of Scottish
yards. Can you complete it Palma is a fine place to airports, it is easy to get to
without dropping a shot? explore, particularly the and, best of all, extremely
The Jack Nicklaus- Old Town, with its narrow, affordable. In fact, when
designed Golf Park winding streets, peaceful you add it all up, you arrive
Mallorca Puntiro is courtyards and beautiful at one conclusion: as a top
magnificent, as are the Baroque and Gothic golf destination, Mallorca
two courses at both architecture. If sightseeing ticks every box.
Santa Ponsa and Son isn’t your thing, then there To find out more, visit
Antem. The former, in fact, are countless award- mallorcagolfisland.com
 MALLORCA’S
COURSES
z ALCANADA
Opened: 2003
Holes: 18 Par: 72
z GOLF DE ANDRATX
Opened: 2000
Holes: 18 Par: 72
z BENDINAT
Opened: 1986
Holes: 18 Par: 70
z CAPDEPERA
Opened: 1989
Holes: 18 Par: 72
z GOLF POLLENSA
Opened: 1986
Holes: 9 Par: 35
z T GOLF & COUNTRY
CLUB PONIENTE
Opened: 1978
Holes: 18 Par: 72
z GOLF PARK PUNTIRO
Opened: 2006
Holes: 18 Par: 71
z SANTA PONSA (1)
Opened: 1977
Holes: 18 Par: 72
z SANTA PONSA (2)
Opened: 1991
Holes: 18 Par: 72
z SON ANTEM (EAST)
Opened: 1994
Holes: 18 Par: 72
z SON ANTEM (WEST)
Opened: 2001
Holes: 18 Par: 72
z SON GUAL
Opened: 2007
Holes: 18 Par: 72
z SON MUNTANER
Opened: 2000
Holes: 18 Par: 72
z SON QUINT
z WHEN TO VISIT Opened: 2007
For the best temperatures with Holes: 18 Par: 72
the least chance of rain, visit z SON SERVERA
between April and September, when Opened: 1967
temperatures range from 18-28˚C. Holes: 18 Par: 72
z ACCOMMODATION z SON TERMENS
There are reckoned to be Opened: 1998
approximately 6,000 hotels in Mallorca, Holes: 18 Par: 70
with something to suit every budget.
z SON VIDA
z DID YOU KNOW?
Opened: 1964
Mallorca takes its name from the Latin
Holes: 18 Par: 72
phrase ‘insula maior’, which literally
translates as ‘larger island’, as Mallorca z VALL D’OR
is the largest island in all of Spain. Opened: 1985
Holes: 18 Par: 71

TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE 161
Musselburgh Links

162 BUNKERED.CO.UK
 9 HOLE
GOLF

MAKE SOME
TIME FOR A
QUICK NINE
Short on time? Not confident enough to tackle 18?
Nine-hole golf is the answer to your problems
WORDS CHRIS DOYLE PHOTOS SUPPLIED

TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE 163
 Blairmore & Strone Golf Club
Great wee course- just turn up, pay and play 25th
Anniversary
Host of 2017 Year
Firth of the Clyde Country
Tournaments Membership
£10 per 9 hole round £150
£15 Day ticket
£5 Juniors Mains of Taymouth Golf Course
Family friendly Kenmore Perthshire
Parties can be Perthshire’s finest 9 hole golf course, a challenge for all level of golfer
catered for, with notice
Lowest annual 25TH ANNIVERSARY OFFER
fees in area
Adult £240
Only £25 per person
Country £150 18 holes + Morning Bacon Roll + Tea/Coffee on arrival*
Junior £20
Quote Bunkered to get this offer
Competitions Saturday
Afternoon

Contact Graham Thompson

01369 840208
Secretary@blairmoregc.co.uk Visitors and parties welcome
www.blairmoregc.co.uk T: 01887 830226 | E: info@taymouth.co.uk | www.taymouth.co.uk
Blairmore & Strone Golf Club – PA23 8TH *2017 only, subject to availability, pre-book only.

“Gifford is one of the

best 9 hole courses
in Scotland”
GOLF WORLD Membership
is available for

GIFFORD GOLF CLUB

nr Haddington, East Lothian
£240 with no
joining fees

9-holes Weekdays £16 • Weekends £18

18-holes Weekdays £25 • Weekends £30 Tarland Golf Club is set in Royal Deeside and rewards golfers with stunning views of
the countryside and is a hidden gem. Designed by Old Tom Morris in 1908, Tarland
Secretary: 01620 810267 Starter: 01620 810591
is a nine-hole parkland course which represents a challenge to golfers of all abilities.
email: secretary@giffordgolfclub.com
Measuring just over 6,000 yards when played to 18 holes, the well-maintained
www.giffordgolfclub.com course with its smooth greens and great fairways is certainly no pushover. The cost of
a day ticket is only £22 during the week and £25 at the weekend. A 9-hole round will
cost £15 during the week and £16 at the weekend. Catering is available every day at
a reasonable price. Fairway Rider single seater buggies and trolleys available for hire.

013398 81000 · secretary@tarlandgolfclub.co.uk · www.tarlandgolfclub.com

Aberdeen Road, Tarland, Aboyne, Aberdeenshire, AB34 4TB

Machrie Bay Lochranza Golf Course

A family-friendly level course with water hazards
GOLF COURSE 2017 FEES:
£12 for 9 holes • £20 for All Day • 7 Day pass: £50

This fairly flat 9 hole Course is ideal for golfers of all

abilities & welcomes everybody! Pay & Play
WEEKLY TICKETS AVAILABLE 2332 Yards
Î 9 hole course beside the sea Par 34
Î Family friendly Well Open April - end
behaved of October
Î Dog friendly dogs
Î Tearoom welcome!
Î Club and trolley hire
Î Putting green
Î Tennis court
Î Children’s play area
01770 840329 Lochranza Isle of Arran KA27 8HL | t: 01770 830273 | e: info@lochranzagolf.com
www.dougarie.com www.lochranzagolf.com

St Fillans
C BLAIRMORE & STRONE
HANGE IS
COMING. All of
the things that
previously put
people off golf are
being tackled head-on
- and nine-hole courses
are providing many of the
answers.
From a lack of time,
to cost, to nervousness
to dive straight in at the
deep end and tackle a
full-size, 18-hole layout,
there have been many
legitimate reasons
offered to explain non-
participation amongst
those who would like to
play golf but don’t.
So, it’s for good reason
that nine-hole courses
are growing in popularity.
Time is precious and
we all have busy lives.
Whether it is work or
family commitments - or
sometimes both - it can
be difficult to spare four
hours of your free time to
play a round of golf.
Nine-hole golf, however,
allows you to get some
holes in after work in the
summer or can just free
up some valuable time at
the weekend.
Clubs are cottoning-
on to that, too, and
are providing people
with better flexibility
for their memberships
built around a growing
demand for nine-hole
golf. Indeed, nine-hole
memberships - which
are typically far more
affordable than full
memberships - are
growing in popularity.
These shorter layouts
are also ideal for families
and total beginners.
Let’s be honest: getting
going in golf can be quite
intimidating but nine-hole
courses provide a natural
stepping-stone between
the driving range and
18-hole layouts. T that was once the grounds
£10
z blairmoregc.co.uk
Blairmore is a ‘must play’
for anyone visiting Dunoon.
With breathtaking views of
Loch Long, Holy Loch and
the Firth of Clyde, the course
combines beautiful scenery
with a terrific test that all
players can enjoy. There are
a mixture of hilly holes and
some flatter parts to keep you
on your toes. It’s not especially
long at just over 2,100 yards
but it has plenty to keep you
entertained and engaged
throughout. You’ll love it.
CRIEFF, DORNOCK
£10
z crieffgolf.co.uk
The little sister of the 18-hole
Ferntowner course, Crieff’s
Dornock layout is built on
gently sloping parkland
TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE
9 HOLE GOLF
of Ferntower House. It
provides a fair but challenging
experience for all abilities,
with the added bonus of
wonderful views of the local
Perthshire countryside. Ideal
for those who only have time
for a quick nine or as part of
a 27-hole package combining
a round on the Ferntower,
the Dornock Course offers
a fabulous day out for all.
GIFFORD
£16
z giffordgolfclub.com
Renowned for its friendliness,
Gifford sits in a beautiful part
of East Lothian at the foot of
Lammermuir Hills. The course
is a great challenge that all
golfers will enjoy tackling. It is
particularly well renowned for
the continually high quality of
its greens, whilst the ‘Speedy
Burn’ that comes into play
on several holes has undone
many players down the years.
165
 WESTRAY GOLF CLUB

NEW
redesigned
course opens
24th June
2017

The course is 2871 yards in length, with a par of 36, and is in the
process of being upgraded. Also, we are having a celebratory opening
of the redesigned golf course on 24th June 2017!
Membership Fees: Adults £125 per year (Concession for 65+)
Juniors £20 per year
Visitor Fees: 9 holes £10 (Day ticket £15)

Captain: Bill Turnbull | mobile: 07867 630616

www.westraypapawestray.co.uk

Traigh Golf Club

"Probably the most beautifully sited nine-hole golf

course in the world..." – The Scotsman newspaper

The course is based on a line of grassy hills, with

the springy turf of a true links course. It is a nine
hole course, par 68

GREEN FEES
Visitors are welcome all year. Green fees are:
• Children 16 years of age or younger are half price
• £20.00 per round/day
• £40.00 for 3 days
• £65.00 per week.

T: +44 (0) 1687 450 337 E: info@traighgolf.co.uk

ST FILLANS GOLF CLUB

Superb course set amongst breathtaking scenery
A challenging course, whatever your ability - set amidst Perthshire Hills
over surprisingly level terrain. Excellent catering provided by our
resident chef Richard Mountain. Golf Cars*, trollies and clubs for hire.
(*Booking advised)
Thinking of joining a golf club?
We proudly boast the warmest of welcomes and will help you to meet fellow members
for competitive or friendly games. If ‘doing you own thing’ is your preference —then
that’s fine too! Ask to speak to our Manager for the very latest Membership Offer.

MURCAR LINKS
Strabathie is the 9 hole course at Murcar Links 3 day
local Golf Pass
on sale - £45
for 3 days!
Monday to Friday Saturday and Sunday
£15.00 (9 Holes) £22.50 (9 Holes)
£30.00 (18 Holes) £45.00 (18 Holes)

stfillansgolf@btconnect.com

Murcar Links Golf Club, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, AB23 8BD www.st-fillans-golf.com
golf@murcarlinks.com · +44 (0) 1224 704354 · www.murcarlinks.com 01764 685312

KILLIN
£15
z killingolfclub.co.uk
Further reinforcing Perthshire’s
reputation as the ‘home of
nine-hole golf’ in Scotland,
Killin is an absolute joy to
behold. Routinely described as
one of the most beautiful nine-
hole layouts in the country,
it packs plenty of punch. Its
par-3 fifth hole, for example,
measures little over 90 yards
but is one of the toughest
holes. With the green guarded
by multiple bunkers and out
of bounds to your right, you
need to be deadly accurate.
KINGSFIELD
£12.50
z kingsfieldgolfandleisure.co.uk
Perhaps the surest sign of
the quality of the facilities at
Kingsfield Golf Centre, near
Linlithgow, is the fact that it is
the venue of choice for some
of Scotland’s top European
Tour pros and coaches. Its
nine-hole course is a true
delight from start to finish.
Maintained to the highest of
standards, it has a terrific blend
of holes that will keep you on
toes throughout. It also has the
unique distinction of being the
only course in Scotland with its
own traffic lights, which help
to set the pace from the very
first hole. After your round,
make sure you put aside some
time to relax and unwind in
the fantastic café, where a
Lochranza
friendly welcome, hot and
cold drinks and home baking
are always in rich supply.
LOCHRANZA £12
z lochranzagolf.com
Located at the northern end of
Arran, Lochranza is a charming
test of golf that prides itself
on being as friendly and
accommodating to visitors as
possible. There’s no need to
book; just turn up and play.
Those who do will enjoy a
wonderful test of golf, as well
as the chance to see plenty
of wildlife, such as deer, red
squirrels and even golden
eagles soaring overhead.
MACHRIE BAY
£12
z machriebay.com
Situated on Arran’s west coast,
Machrie Bay is a
sheer pleasure to play. An
interesting mix of links and
moorland, it is short but
challenging with fantastic
greens. The final hole is
particularly good, playing
across a road to a large,
inviting green. Walk off with a
par and you’ll have done well.
MAINS OF TAYMOUTH £17
z taymouth.co.uk
Formerly known as Kenmore
Golf Course, Mains of Taymouth
has a reputation for being
the ‘finest nine-hole course
Killin
in Perthshire’. Celebrating its
25th anniversary in 2017, it sits
on converted farmland in the
heart of Highland Perthshire,
on the banks of the River Tay,
and is designed in such a way
as to challenge both high
and low handicappers alike.
The hospitality, meanwile, is
superb, with the Courtyard Bar
& Restaurant the perfect place
to unwind either both or after
your round. There is even some
award-winning four and five-
star accommodation on-site if
you fancy making a break of it.
MURCAR LINKS,
STRABATHIE
£15
z murcarlinks.com
Sitting adjacent to the
championship course at
Murcar Links, the nine-hole
course Strabathie course is a
perfect bitesize sample of links
golf. Designed by the great
golf course architect James
Braid, it is no pushover, with
the eponymous Strabathie
Burn coming into play on no
fewer than six of the nine
holes. Make it round here
in level-par and you will be
doing very well indeed.
MUSSELBURGH,
OLD LINKS £15
z musselburgholdlinks.co.uk
One of the oldest courses
in existence, a round at
TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE
9 HOLE GOLF
T What’s more, nine-
hole courses are not
only convenient, but
many of them are
brilliant courses that
test even the most
experienced golfers.
Just because a course
is not long, it does not
mean that it will not
be hard. Many of them
will have tight greens
and lots of hazards
that will really test your
short game and put a
premium on accuracy
over length. We all know
a good short game is
where you save strokes,
so playing nine-hole
courses is likely to
improve your game.
Why not play nine holes
instead of going to the
driving range? You learn
the more while out on
the course.
Nine-hole courses
can also suit the more
casual golfer. If you are
looking for a relaxed
and stress-free round
then nine holes can
prove to be the solution.
Nine-hole
competitions are also
growing massively in
popularity. Many of the
clubs on these pages,
including the fantastic
St Fillans in Perthshire,
offer highly competitive,
fun-filled open events
that anybody can get
involved in, again
paving the way to
competing in larger, T
167
 Comrie Golf Club
Golf at the Heart
of Perthshire
The Dornock Course at Crieff
a 9-Hole Gem
SPECIAL

99406
Crieff Golf Club is rated as one of Scotland’s
top inland courses. Surrounded by beautiful
countryside, at the heart of golfing Perthshire, it
provides a feeling of escape as well as spectacular
OFFER
Book 9-Hole
from £10 adults
and £5 Juniors

Crieff GC
views. The 9 Hole Dornock was formed from some Check on-line for Comrie Golf Club offers a nine hole course providing a
of the holes which were originally on the site. In times & rates. test for all standards of golfers.
1980 the Ferntower and Dornock courses were Maintained to the highest standard with beautiful views
opened as they are now. over the surrounding countryside visitors are welcome
The Dornock course complements and supports its 18 holes at any time.
longer sibling. The Dornock is 4540 yards long its par is 64 SSS 63. Catering is offered at the clubhouse and
Dornock caters for competitive and leisure golf and offers fantastic special rates are offered for golfing groups.
scenery as does the Ferntower Course. Various memberships are available.
Please enquire at the clubhouse.
For details of visits, outings and bookings, Laggan Braes, Comrie, Perthshire PH6 2LR | 01764 670055
E: bookings@crieffgolf.co.uk | T: 01764 652909 Comriegolf@tiscali.co.uk
www.crieffgolf.co.uk www.comriegolf.co.uk

Come and enjoy Perthshire’s golf

at its best at

Killin Golf Club

Covesea Links Golf Course

Killin Golf Club offers a unique nine hole experience set in the spectacular
scenery of the Perthshire Highlands. Often described as the most beautiful
9 hole golf course in Scotland, the course offers a challenge to all playing
levels and provides the unforgettable experience to play the iconic “Dyke” hole.
Group packages, multi-round deals, memberships
and International memberships available
Phone 01567 820312 or email clubhouse@killingolfclub.co.uk
Our 9 hole course sits at the end of its own windy road, nestled in
a cove right on the coast between Lossiemouth and Hopeman.
A hidden gem? We think so and hope you will.
SIMPLY TURN UP & PLAY.
9 Holes: Links golf for everyone, and perfect for an outing or just
for a quick round with clubs available for hire.

www.killingolfclub.co.uk Find us on the road from Lossiemouth to Hopeman (B9040). IV30 5QS
www.covesealinks.com | Tel: 01343 810012 | email: info@covesealinks.com

Vaul BRIDGEND GOLF CLUB

Golf Club Bridgend Golf Club is a 9 hole FOOTGOLF
golf course in West Lothian. Being
NOW AT
www.vaulgolfclub.org situated near Linlithgow it is easily
accessible from Edinburgh. The BRIDGEND
course is open to the public every GOLF
Vaul Golf Club is on the beautiful day, weather permitting, until 8pm. COURSE
Green Fees Island of Tiree in the Inner
Hebrides. The Course is
Adult - £20 per day
situated at the East end of
Weekly ticket - £50 the island. A super course
Juniors (16 years and for those taking up the
under) - £5 per day sport or the holiday
maker who enjoys
a ‘hassle-free’ golf
environment. BRIDGEND GOLF CLUB
EMAIL: INFO@PARZERO.COM
Scarinish, Isle of Tiree, PHONE: 01506 834 803/07850 353302
WWW.PARZERO.COM
Argyll, PA77 6TP

Traigh
Musselburgh Links is an
essential experience for
any golf fan. It is one of the
original Open venues, having
hosted the championship six
times between 1874 and 1889.
Go there and experience a
piece of golfing history, not to
mention a golf course of the
very highest quality. To make
your visit truly unique, why not
hire hickory clubs and play the
course as it was in its heyday?
ST FILLANS £12
z st-fillans-golf.com
Tucked away next to the River
Earn in a beautiful part of
Highland Perthshire, St Fillans
is a popular spot with players
both new to the sport and
those who are considerably
more experienced. Considering
the imposing hills that
surround it, it’s a pleasant
surprise to discover quite
a flat course but one that
has fantastic challenges
at every twist and turn.
TARLAND
£15
z tarlandgolfclub.com
Designed by Old Tom Morris
in 1908, this nine-hole course
near Aboyne in Aberdeenshire
is a small but challenging
layout that is perfect for
golfers of all standards. It is
maintained to exceptionally
high standards and is famous
locally for the rich variety of
wildlife that it is home to. From
buzzards soaring overhead
to deer crossing the fairways,
there is so much to see and
enjoy.
TRAIGH £20
z traighgolf.co.uk
Tucked away in a picturesque
part of the Highlands, two
miles to the north of Arisaig
and six miles south of Mallaig,
Traigh is the most westerly
golf course in mainland
Britain. It is also one of the
most tranquil tracks you
will come across, so it is the
perfect location for a relaxing
day of golf. Possessing
stunning views to the
Hebridean islands of Eigg and
Rum, and the Cuillins of Skye,
it bears all of the hallmarks
of a classic seaside links.
Crieff, Dornock
Mains of Taymouth
VAUL
£20
z vaulgolfclub.org
Found on the eastern end
of the beautiful island of
Tiree in the Inner Hebrides,
Vaul dates back to 1911 and
is a super course for those
taking up the sport or the
holiday maker who enjoys a
‘hassle-free’ golf environment.
Just pay your day ticket in
the clubhouse ‘Honesty
Box’ and away you go!
WESTRAY £10
z westraypapawestray.co.uk
One of approximately 70
islands that comprise the
Orkney Islands, Westray is
only an hour-and-a-half by
ferry from Kirkwall, the islands’
main town. Amongst its many
attractions is its fantastic
nine-hole course, which will
unveil its new design in June.
With terrific sea views and
being within walking distance
of the main town of Pierowall,
it is a great place to indulge
in some golf whilst enjoying
a little bit of island-hopping.
TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE
9 HOLE GOLF
T 18-hole competitions.
The R&A has also
show its support of
nine-hole golf with the
development of a new
nine-hole championship
for club handicap
golfers, which took
place for the first time
last year at Royal Troon
on the eve of the 2016
Open Championship.
Following the huge
success of the event in
its inaugural season, the
competition has been
expanded to cover golf
clubs across the country.
Clubs are invited to hold
a designated nine-hole
qualifying competition in
the weeks leading up to
the championship with
scores collated and and
a national leaderboard
created to determine
the winning pairs. The
top four pairs nationwide
then go onto compete
at Royal Birkdale in the
9-Hole Final on July 15.
This competition
shows the traction that
nine-hole golf is gaining.
You do not have to play
18 holes to experience
what golf has to offer. „
169
 COOL HANGOUT

UNDISCOVERED IRELAND
Why there’s never been a better time to get to know
the Emerald Isle’s East and South East a little better
BY DAVID J WHYTE
@linkslands
z PHOTOS Supplied
YOUR GUIDE
TO THE David is a specialist in golf travel
BEST GOLF writing, photography and video
DESTINATIONS

T
HE EAST AND SOUTH EAST
of Ireland might not be at the
top of your golf holiday bucket
list - not yet anyway! There are
some well-known courses along
the east coast such as Druid’s Glen,
Portmarnock or the European Club
but there is also a host of lesser-
knowns which represent possibly the
best value, best quality golf packages
on this planet. And it’s those I went
to explore courtesy of Club Choice
Ireland.
The tour operator of choice for
this region, Club Choice Ireland
has created a series of tailored
packages throughout the east and
south-east. They pair great courses
with the best hotels in each area
and I have to say, I was surprised
and delighted with the exceptional
standard and variety of golf not to
mention the accommodation. But
what is truly amazing is the value. You
can enjoy a five-day break with four
rounds of top quality golf and four
nights in beautiful hotels for under
£400pps… including return ferry from
Cairnryan (near Stranraer) to Belfast.
Equally, you could fly from Edinburgh,
Glasgow or Aberdeen and get there
in around an hour. Either way has its
advantages. A group of four with a
car and golf clubs in tow will probably
PHOTO DAVID J. WHYTE
The spectacular
Macreddin GC was
the first course
design project
undertaken by former
Ryder Cup captain
Paul McGinley
find the ferry best. Dublin is only a
two-hour drive from Belfast.
THE ISLAND GOLF CLUB
My first stop was The Island Golf
Club just north of the Fair City. If you
fly in, this veritable links is only 20
minutes from the airport. The course
weaves through high dunes with firm,
fast-rolling fairways. The club was
founded in 1890, making it one of
Ireland’s oldest. Yet, as recently as
the 1970s, The Island was accessible
only by rowing boat. The Island
somehow sneaks under the radar of
Ireland’s most popular links courses
but I think it’s only a matter of getting T
TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE 171
T the word out. This is a genuine
links challenge and should be on
everyone’s ‘to play’ list.
MACREDDIN GOLF CLUB
I drove on south towards Wexford
on the M11. Ireland’s motorways
are superb and whisk you along
from Dublin towards the Wicklow
Mountains, a delightful part of the
country. Macreddin GC was the first
course design project undertaken
by former Ryder Cup captain Paul
McGinley. The back nine is especially
good, with devious twists, drops and
climbs. The 12th is the best example
of that, a determined dogleg across
the Ballycreen Brook then again
across a wilderness chasm. It’s surely
one of the best par-4s in Ireland. If
you’re accurate and enjoy golf in a
stunning setting, it’ll be right up your
street.
THE ASHDOWN PARK HOTEL
Irish four-star hotels seem to be
a notch above UK standards. The
Ashdown Park Hotel in Gorey offers
large, well-appointed rooms, cosy-
thick towels and a comfortable bed;
all the ingredients that make a hotel
stay memorable. Its Rowan Tree
Restaurant might be its best aspect.
They cook with produce from their
own farm just down the road. There’s
also an indoor pool, steam room and
sauna next to the gym, whilst the
downtown area of Gorey is only ten
minutes walk with welcoming pubs
and a thriving local music scene.
ARKLOW GOLF CLUB
Arklow is maybe not as renowned
as Royal Dublin or Royal County
Down but it’s easily as delightful
and as tough a par-69 as you’ll find
anywhere. I teed up with Stephen
Larkin, the Banqueting Manager
from The Ashdown Park Hotel
who kindly agreed to accompany
me. We bounced around these
delicious links, the greens complexes
contemporary but the rest pretty
much the way it was back in the day.
I was blown away, not by the wind
but by the links delight that Arklow is.
THE MARTELLO
That night I stayed at the Martello,
a lively place on the front in the
“If you’re accurate and enjoy golf in
a stunning setting, Macreddin Golf
Club will be right up your street.”
172 BUNKERED.CO.UK
Killeen Castle
seaside town of Bray. It’s a ‘Pub &
Guesthouse’ combination with an
expansive, covered seating area
for dining, music and large screen
sports-casting. The atmosphere most
nights is lively, especially if there’s
a football or rugby match on. The
accommodation is two-star but more
than adequate. You stay here for the
craic, the food and the great seaside
location.
POWERSCOURT GOLF CLUB
It was then back towards Dublin, with
two of Ireland’s finest parklands to be
discovered at Powerscourt Golf Club.
Set in a country estate, the courses
are enhanced with staggering views
of the Great Sugar Loaf Mountain. I
went for the West, designed by none
other than Scotland’s David McLay
Kidd. This was one of David’s early
outings with his father Jimmy helping
out. This is a classy product and not
to be missed.
CARTON HOUSE HOTEL
& GOLF RESORT
I honestly find it hard to believe the
high standards that are on offer in this
part of Ireland. Carton House Hotel
& Golf Resort is a seriously upmarket
effort akin to Gleneagles with superb
rooms and a classy restaurant. There
are two courses: the O’Meara Course,
a classic parkland meandering
through pastures and woodland by
the River Rye, and the Montgomerie,
which is more links-like with fast,
firm fairways, massive bunkers and
impeccable greens. In preparation
for my round on the O’Meara, I had
a quick lesson with David Kearney,
Carton House’s Director of Golf and
Director of the Irish Ladies Golf Union
High Performance Unit, which proved
invaluable.
KILLEEN CASTLE GOLF CLUB
My final outing was at Killeen Castle,
again one of the finest parkland
venues in all of Ireland with the
elegant outline of the eponymous
castle enhancing the views. A
world-class Jack Nicklaus signature
design, it hosted the 2011 Solheim
Cup along with the Ladies Irish Open
from 2010 until 2012. That’s just how
good it is.
CONCLUSION
Club Choice Ireland specialises in
golf tours to the East and South East
of Ireland bringing together tailored
packages and customised itineraries.
To get to the area, you can travel
using their ‘Return Ferry’ inclusive
packages or fly direct into Dublin
Airport.
• For more on golf in this part of
Ireland, visit clubchoiceireland.com,
call 0800 285 1490 or email
info@clubchoiceireland.com
 3 OTHER
PLACES YOU
COULD STAY
z THE BRIDGE
HOTEL, ARKLOW
Located in the scenic
coastal town of Arklow,
the Bridge Hotel is just a
few minutes’ walk from
the sea and is close to
the Avoca river. Boasting
15 rooms, each with
television, complimentary
WiFi and more, it is an
ideal resting spot after
a day of golf around the
sunny South East.

z COURT YARD
HOTEL, LEIXLIP
The four-star Court Yard
Hotel, built on the site
where Arthur Guinness
created his brewing empire,
offers old world charm,
beautiful original stone work
with contemporary design.
Described as ‘Kildare’s
best-kept secret’, you’ll
find it just 15 minutes from
Dublin City Centre and 20
minutes from Dublin Airport.

z WATERSIDE HOUSE,
NORTH DUBLIN
Dublin’s only beachfront
hotel, Waterside House is
situated in the picturesque
village of Donabate in
North County Dublin,
offering stunning views
of the Irish Sea, Lambay
Island, Ireland’s Eye
Arklow and Howth Head.

Carton House The Island

TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE 173
 BRODICK
BRODICK, ISLE OF ARRAN KA27 8DL
01770 302349
GOLF CLUB ENQUIRIES@BRODICKGOLF.COM
www.brodickgolf.com
There’s something a little bit special about
playing golf at Brodick. Situated on the beautiful
Isle of Arran, we are just a short ferry ride away.
A pleasant stroll from the pier, the course is fairly
flat, but is surrounded by spectacular scenery,
and is a mixture of parkland and links. It is short
enough for the average golfer to enjoy, but still
asks questions of the low handicap player.

GOLF OVERSEAS OFFER

£30 weekdays - £33 at weekends
a coffee and bacon roll on arrival a round of golf
followed by a one course lunch.
We will give you a warm welcome, and your visit will remind you of the time when golf was fun.

During May, spend

over £25 in Pro
shop and get
dŚĞŽƌƌŝĞ,ŽƚĞůŝƐĂǁĂƌŵ͕ĨƌŝĞŶĚůLJ͕ĨĂŵŝůLJƌƵŶŚŽƚĞůŝŶƚŚĞďĞĂƵƟĨƵů 20% discount
village of Corrie, six miles from Brodick ferry Terminal.
ŌĞƌLJŽƵƌĚĂLJŐŽůĮŶŐ͕ĞŶũŽLJĂƉŝŶƚŝŶƚŚĞůŽǀĞůLJďĞĞƌŐĂƌĚĞŶŽŶƚŚĞ
shoreline admiring the wonderful views. Shore Road, Blackwaterfoot,
ƌƌĂŶŝƐĂŐŽůĨĞƌ͛ƐƉĂƌĂĚŝƐĞǁŝƚŚŶŽĨĞǁĞƌƚŚĂŶϳŐŽůĨĐŽƵƌƐĞƐͲϭϴŚŽůĞ Isle of Arran KA27 8HA
ĐŽƵƌƐĞƐĂƚƌŽĚŝĐŬ͕>ĂŵůĂƐŚĂŶĚtŚŝƟŶŐĂLJ͕ĂϭϮŚŽůĞĐŽƵƌƐĞĂƚ^ŚŝƐŬŝŶĞ T: 01770 860 226
and 9 hole courses at Machrie, Lochranza and here at Corrie.
www.shiskinegolf.com
Corrie, Isle of Arran, KA28 8JB
T: 01770 810 273 E: corriehotelarran@gmail.com
www.corriehotel.co.uk

Barassie
Links
at KBGC
PLAY ALL YEAR
ROUND GOLF!

NEW MEMBERS OFFER 4 ball rates

20% discount on subscription rate when May-Sept £220
joining in 2017 ASK ABOUT OUR
MEMBERSHIP & VISITOR
Newmiln Road, Galston KA4 8PA OFFERS!
T: 01563 821993 T: 01292 313920
Follow us on Facebook
www.loudoungowfclub.co.uk www.kbgc.co.uk @Barassie Links - KBGC

Shotts Golf Club

Blairhead, Shotts, ML7 5BJ
Corporate & Society Days
• Visitors Green Fees
• One Round Weekdays....... £30
• Day Ticket ............................................ £40
Limited weekend deals available –
contact club for rates.
Good food and a warm welcome awaits
all visitors to this excellent James Braid designed
course. Golf buggies available.

Clubhouse: Tel.01501 825868 • Pro shop: Tel.01501 822658

Email: info@shottsgolfclub.co.uk

174 BUNKERED.CO.UK
GB&I WHERE
TO PLAY
ò GET MORE bunkered.co.uk/wheretoplay
FROM
£18
PER ROUND
ALNMOUTH
GOLF CLUB
Î Alnwick
Î Par 71 Yards 6,449
Î alnmouthgolfclub.com
` Established in 1869, Alnmouth
has a distinguished history
as the fourth oldest course
in England. It overlooks the
stunning Foxton and Alnmouth
Bay on the Northumberland
coastline in a designated area
of outstanding natural beauty.
Despite its coastal location,
Alnmouth has parkland turf
and holds a high reputation
for its fine greens and superb
presentation. Alnmouth
also has wonderful practice
facilities in easy reach of the
clubhouse, including a four
hole, par-3 course to sharpen
up your short game before
you begin your round.
FROM
£40
PER ROUND
MACHRIHANISH
DUNES
Î Machrihanish, Mull of Kintyre
Î Par 72 Yards 7,082
Î machrihanishdunes.com
` Over 130 years ago, the
legend that is Old Tom Morris
realised the potential for golf
in Mach Dunes. The course
today prides itself in being ‘the
world’s most natural course’
where ‘the game is played the
way it is meant to be’. With the
Atlantic in the background, there
is no doubt this links experience
will ensure players will be
battling against the elements
as you make your way round
what is an absolutely superb
test of golf. And with an award
winning seaside resort to go
along with it, it really is the
perfect weekend of golf to relax
with your friends and family.
FROM
£52
PER ROUND
KILSPINDIE
GOLF CLUB
Î Aberlady, Longniddry
Î Par 69 Yards 5,494
Î kilspindiegolfclub.co.uk
` Kilspindie is the 35th oldest
golf club in the world and it is
proud of its established history
in Scotland. Up to 28,000
people walk these beautifully
sculpted fairways each year
and it is easy to see why
golfers keep coming back for
more. Situated on Aberlady
Bay and the Firth of Forth, it is
a brilliant setting to play golf.
You can even see Edinburgh
Castle and Arthur’s Seat in
the distance. The course itself
is small in length, but tight
fairways and deceptively quick
greens ensure it is a challenging
day at the office in what is a
stunning stretch of linksland.
TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE
FROM
£60
PER ROUND
FAIRMONT
ST ANDREWS
(TORRANCE)
Î St Andrews
Î Par 72 Yards 7,230
Î fairmont.com/standrews
` The Torrance course at
Fairmont St Andrews lives up
to the high expectations of
a golf course situated in the
Home of Golf. It has previously
hosted Open Championship
qualifiers and has been the
home of the Scottish Seniors
Open between 2009 and 2014
on the European Seniors Tour.
Put it this way, it has serious
pedigree. With its signature
deep revetted bunkers, it is a
true links test that will require
all aspects of your game to be
on song. Its large greens will
also prove tricky; make sure
you hit it in the correct spots.
175
 A wonderful parkland course only
Tulliallan Golf Club
Flexible
membership 5 minutes from Glasgow City Centre
for only
£250 NO
FOR YOUR 2017 GOLF OUTING
JOININ
Our superb parkland course is only a 30 minute G
commute from Glasgow and Edinburgh
FEE!

WEEKDAY GOLF PARTY Any parties of 12 or more will ALL VISITORS QUALIFY FOR
PACKAGES INCLUDE receive a 10% discount on their A RETURN ROUND AT HALF
2 ROUNDS OF GOLF, COFFEE golf booking. In addition you will PRICE DURING THE SAME
& FILLED ROLL ON ARRIVAL, qualify for another game in the SEASON.
SOUP & FILLED ROLL & HIGH same season at half price. *DOES Join now for under £10 a week &ŽƵŶĚĞĚŝŶϭϵϬϲĂŶĚůĂƚĞƌƌĞͲĚĞƐŝŐŶĞĚďLJ 301 Barrhead Road, Glasgow G43 1AU
TEA ALL FOR ONLY £54.95.* NOT INCLUDE £54.95 PACKAGE* (based on 5 day membership). Tel: 0843 312 0040
the highly acclaimed James Braid, Cowglen
Golf Club is recognised for its outstanding KĸĐĞ͗ 0141 632 7463
PRICES: WEEKDAY ROUND £25 WEEKEND ROUND £29 ŐƌĞĞŶƐ͘tŝƚŚŵĂŐŶŝĮĐĞŶƚǀŝĞǁƐŽĨ'ůĂƐŐŽǁ Pro Shop: 0141 649 9401
ĂŶĚƚŚĞ^ĐŽƫƐŚŚŝŐŚůĂŶĚƐ͕ƚŚĞĐŽƵƌƐĞ Email: secretary@cowglengolfclub.co.uk/
Contact: professional@tulliallangolf.co.uk | Tel: 01259 730798 simon-payne@live.co.uk
ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƐĂŶŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƟŶŐ͕ĞŶũŽLJĂďůĞĂŶĚ
www.tulliallangolf.co.uk ĐŚĂůůĞŶŐŝŶŐĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞƚŽĂůůůĞǀĞůƐŽĨƉůĂLJĞƌ͘ www.cowglengolfclub.co.uk

£1 2017 GROUP OFFER

£15 t Ea
rly
5
h
Twilig ly go Bir
golf
on
lfon
ly
d
£35 per person CARNOUSTIE
+ one place FREE
HELENSBURGH in every 12
Exclusive Bunkered Dinner, Bed & Breakfast offer with
daily golfers packed lunch box and a copy of Bunkered
GOLF CLUB Package applies Monday to
magazine in your room.
All for £65 per person based on two golfers sharing a twin
Thursday and includes room and Dining from the golfers 3 course menu.
pre round roll & coffee plus a Private Car Park
1 course hot meal.
£5 supplement pp on Friday Daily Meals
£10 supplement pp on Sat/Sun
Bar with Pool Table & Dart Board
Other packages are available.
Please call or email for details. 23 Station Road, Carnoustie DD7 6AR
T: 01241 852 447 E: info@stationhotelcarnoustie.com
01436 647 173 g.m@helensburghgolfclub.co.uk www.stationhotelcarnoustie.com

Alyth
• Glenisla
EDZELL GOLF CLUB The
Hotel & Restaurant • Strathmore
ϲŽŵŵĞƌĐŝĂů^ƚ͕ůLJƚŚ͕WĞƌƚŚƐŚŝƌĞW,ϭϭϴ& • Alyth

We offer a range of Golfing weekend breaks and holidays all year round

BUNKERED 4 BALL OFFER Locally, besides the always popular Alyth Golf
Course, there is The Strathmore Golf Centre, and
£120 the challenging Glenisla Golf Course is only 1 mile
from the hotel.
Subject to Availability And within reasonable travelling distance there
are around 70 superb courses, from the bleak and
blustery links courses on the rugged East Coast, to
the rolling parkland courses of the Perthshire Vales,
to the stunningly picturesque courses in the hills at
www.edzellgolfclub.com the gateway to the highlands.

HiŐŚ^ƚƌĞĞƚ͕ĚnjĞůů͕ϵϳd& Tel: 01828 632447 · info@alythhotel.com · www.alythhotel.com

T:ϬϭϯϱϲϲϰϳϮϴϯE: admin@edzellgolfclub.com

Cairn Hotel GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY

GOLF CLUB ESTABLISHED 1890
Pay for
get 1 F &
on
3
REE
An authentic highland inn offering excellent our mid
accommodation for small groups and individuals. A challenging 18-hole golf we
Fourba ek
course situated ll
• Tailored Golf packages available featuring Boat of Garten, Spey
Valley and the fantastically challenging Carrbridge Golf Course in the Cairngorms National Park,
• Only 30 minute drive from Castle Stuart – Home of the Scottish approximately 35 miles from
Open Inverness.
• 7ULS$GYLVRU&HUWLʻFDWHRI([FHOOHQFH
ș ([FHOOHQWVHOHFWLRQRIPDOWZKLVNLHVZLWKH[SHUWDGYLFHRQKDQG The perfect - 2017 GREEN FEES -
ș +LJKTXDOLW\EDUPHDOVZLWKVHDVRQDOPHQXVXVLQJWKHEHVW base for your Round: £35 (Mid-week)
local produce Highland
Golf Holiday Day: £45
• Situated in the Cairngorm National Park, offering a fantastic range of things to see
and do. We are delighted to make arrangements or make recommendations for Competitive group/society discounts available!
partners and non-golfers in your group.
Visit us at: www.grantownonspeygolfclub.co.uk
Main Road, Carrbridge, Inverness-shire • 7 • (LQIR#FDLUQKRWHOFRXN
t:01479 872079 f:01479 873725
www.cairnhotel.co.uk

176 BUNKERED.CO.UK
CRAIBSTONE GOLF CENTRE FROM
Î Aberdeen
Î Par 69 Yards 5,808 £35
PER ROUND
Î marshall-leisure.co.uk

` Craibstone was originally built in 1999 by the Scottish Agricultural

College with extensive drainage and irrigation systems to allow
golfers to play all year round. Their aim is to make sure the course
is in the same condition at the end of the season as it is at the
start of the season. The course itself has an excellent balance
between challenging holes and straightforward holes, making it
ideal for golfers of all skill levels. There is also a useful practice
area so you can pitch and putt before you get out on the course.

MONIFIETH GOLF LINKS FROM

Î Monifieth, Angus
Î Par 71 Yards 6,655 £35
PER ROUND
Î monifiethgolf.co.uk

` Situated only 30 minutes from St Andrews, Monifieth Golf Links

is the ideal club to choose if you are looking to extend your golfing
trip to Scotland. With two traditional courses on offer, and all year
round courses that can survive the fiercest Scottish weather, this
is a must play. You could even follow in the footsteps of eight-
time Major winner, Tom Watson, who tackled this links prior to
winning his first ever Open Championship back in 1975. If that
doesn’t convince you to give this set-up a go, nothing will. ‘Always make a total
effort - even when
the odds are stacked
against you.’
BELLEISLE GOLF CLUB FROM
Arnold Palmer

Î Ayr, Ayrshire
Î Par 71 Yards 6,446 £36
Î ayrbelleislegolfclub.com PER ROUND

` Opened in 1927, Belleisle is a well-respected championship course,

which quickly built its reputation as one of the UK’s finest inland public
courses. Alongside its ‘little sister’ Seafield, each offers their own unique
golfing challenge. This course continues to add to the ever-growing
reputation that Ayrshire is one of the greatest areas of golf anywhere
in the world. What Belleisle do well is make the most of the natural
landscape it has on offer, and with spectacular views across the water
to Arran, this classic Scottish golf course is a ‘must’ for any golfer.

FORT WILLIAM GOLF CLUB FROM

Î Torlundy, Fort William
Î Par 72 Yards 6,217 £30
PER ROUND
Î fortwilliamgolfclub.co.uk

` Fort William Golf Club is located at the base of Ben Nevis providing
one of the most scenic backdrops in all of Scotland. From just £30
a round, it is well worth your money. The course is kept in excellent
condition. The fairways are lined with an abundance of trees so it
becomes very crucial to keep your ball in play off the tee. A hole
to note is the par-3 third where the green is guarded by a 15-foot
burn that will need to be negotiated. At 110 yards, it seems a much
longer hole than it actually is - and it usually plays that way.

TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE 177
 Ard Na Mara is a
Ard Na Mara
SELF-CATERING IN NAIRN, SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
beautiful house situated
only minutes away
from Nairn’s two
championship golf
courses. The prestigious
Castle Stuart is around
a twenty minute drive.
The property is spacious
and comfortably sleeps
d͗нϰϰ;ϬͿϳϱϵϱϵϳϳϰϰϱ 8, with all mod cons
͗ĂƌĚŶĂŵĂƌĂΛŽƵƚůŽŽŬ͘ĐŽŵ including WiFi.
ϮϮdĂďůĞZŽĂĚ͕>ŽĐŚůŽLJ͕EĂŝƌŶ/sϭϮϱW&
A great base from which
www.ardnamara-nairn.co.uk to explore the highlands.
ƌĂŚĂŶ'ŽůĨůƵďŝƐĂŶϭϴ
BRAHAN GOLF CLUB ŚŽůĞĐŽƵƌƐĞƉůĂLJĞĚŽǀĞƌĂ
ŶŝŶĞŚŽůĞƌŽƵƟŶŐ͘^ĞƚŝŶĂ
secluded valley the course
ŝƐŽƉĞŶĨƌŽŵƚŚĞϮϮŶĚŽĨ
ƉƌŝůƵŶƟůŵŝĚKĐƚŽďĞƌ
ĂŶĚŽīĞƌƐƐŽŵĞƚŚŝŶŐƚŽ
ĂůůƐƚĂŶĚĂƌĚƐŽĨƉůĂLJĞƌ͘
dŽůůŝĞŽĨƌĂŚĂŶ͕>ŽĐŚƵƐƐŝĞ͕ŽŶŽŶƌŝĚŐĞ/sϳϴ,Y
d͗Ϭϳϳϯϭϲϲϯϯϯϱ
Visitors are welcome at all
͗ŝŶĨŽΛďƌĂŚĂŶŐŽůĨĐůƵď͘ĐŚ ƟŵĞƐ͘ϭϴŚŽůĞŽƌϵŚŽůĞ
www.brahangolfclub.ch green fees are available at
ĂƌĞĂƐŽŶĂďůĞƉƌŝĐĞ͘
Tollie
Guest House
on the course
offers high
quality
B+B

Golfing in Aberdeen
With an abundance of fabulous golf
courses, Aberdeen is the place to play golf
in 2017. Craibstone Estate is surrounded
by 7 golf courses including Royal
Aberdeen, Deeside, Murcar Links and
Trump International to name but a few.

Great Golfing Offers:

%
10 UNT
Per night including breakfast only: O ga
DISCbookin
£45 single OR £77 twin en-suite room when July
room in
7 day stays start from only £235 including breakfast

Craibstone Estate, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB21 9YA

T: 01224 711012 E: accommodation@sruc.ac.uk 2-3 Stars

www.sruc.ac.uk/holidayletsaberdeen
• We specialise in • Stunning views of rural
Station Hotel providing top class golf
breaks at affordable
Aberdeenshire
• One of the best &
Portsoy prices
• 15 modern, comfortable
en-suite rooms
most successful
inland courses in NE
Scotland: “a hidden
• Many top class courses
gem”
and ‘hidden gems’ to
choose from including • 6500 + yard
3 NIGHTS’ some of the best old Championship course
PLUS 6 hole par-3
KEMNAY
DBB AND traditional links courses
3 ROUNDS in Scotland practice course

GOLF CLUB
FROM £269 • Great food, friendly • Memberships
locals’ bar and large available, very
games room with all Sky
Sports and BT Sports
competitive rates
• No Joining Fee
Est. 1908
Station Hotel Portsoy, Aberdeenshire, AB45 2QT shown t: 01467 642225 (Option3)
• 2017 already filling up fast • Corporate Membership
T: 01261 842327 · E: enquiries@stationhotelportsoy.co.uk e: administrator@kemnaygolfclub.co.uk
but we will do our best to & Sponsorship
www.stationhotelportsoy.co.uk accommodate you! opportunities available www.kemnaygolfclub.co.uk

LEVEN LINKS
Golf Course
dŚĞĐůŽƐĞƐƚŚŽƚĞůƚŽƚŚĞĮƌƐƚƚĞĞŽĨ
the Old Course and the Royal and
Ancient Clubhouse. Stunning views
over West Sands Beach.
Call us to see if we have the perfect
package for you.
OUR STUNNING AND INTIMIDATING 456 yard 18th hole here at Leven Links
76 The Scores,
LAY UP OR GO FOR IT? You will take 4 here every time!
St Andrews, Fife KY16 9BB
To experience this and the rest of this historical Links
͗ƌĞƐĞƌǀĂƟŽŶƐΛƐĐŽƌĞƐŚŽƚĞů͘ĐŽ͘ƵŬ
Call 01333 421390 E: pro@levenlinksprofessionalshop.com
T: 01334 472451
The Promenade, Leven, Fife KY8 4HS
www.bw-scoreshotel.co.uk
www.leven-links.com

178 BUNKERED.CO.UK
MACDONALD SPEY VALLEY FROM
Î Aviemore, Highlands
Î Par 72 Yards 7,118 £50
PER ROUND
Î macdonaldhotels.co.uk

` If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway in a truly stunning

location in the home of golf, then Macdonald Spey Valley is the
place for you. This 18 hole layout measures over 7,100 yards from
the tips and features one of the longest - and very best - par-5s
in Scottish golf, with its fifth hole stretching to 635 yards from its
championship tee. The course architect, the late Dave Thomas,
was particularly proud of this scenic design and said during its
grand opening that it was certainly amongst his very best work.

MUCKHART GOLF COURSE FROM

Î Muckhart, Clackmannanshire
Î Par 71 Yards 6,456 £35
PER ROUND
Î muckhartgolf.com

` Muckhart Golf Club is located in the central area of Scotland, in the

constituency of Clackmannanshire. 27 wonderful holes are on offer,
which can be mixed up by playing your standard 18 holes, or even just
a casual 9. With events for members and visitors on most days, and
excellent facilities available all year round, Muckhart is certainly a must
play this season. And if you’re planning on staying in the area, why not
take advantage of some of the wonderful accommodation available.
From a range of hotels to B&Bs, there’s something for everyone. ‘The object of golf
is not just to win.
It’s to play like a
gentleman and win.’
Phil Mickelson
PITREAVIE GOLF CLUB FROM
Î Dunfermline, Fife
Î Par 71 Yards 6,037 £20
PER ROUND
Î pitreaviegolfclub.co.uk

` If you live in Fife, or if you are just visiting, treat yourself to a game
of golf at Pitreavie Golf Club and enjoy the spectacular views of
Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth along the way. At just over 6,000
yards off the medal tees, this course provides a good test of golf,
without being beyond the means of the ‘average’ golfer. Be wary
of the opening hole though, a poor opening shot could ruin your
scorecard before you’ve even begun. Negotiate the opening six
safely though, and you have the basis of a handicap-cutting score.

KELSO GOLF CLUB FROM

Î Kelso
Î Par 71 Yards 6,031 £22
PER ROUND
Î kelsogolfclub.co.uk

` Kelso Golf Club is based in the beautiful Scottish Borders on a

difficult parkland course that will test a golfer’s ability on almost every
shot round the 18 holes. There is none more testing than as soon as
you start your round on the 440-yard, par-4 1st hole. The average
score is 5.6 and that is the trend you can expect throughout the
whole day. Designed by Ben Sayers and then redesigned by James
Braid in the 1930s, the course has stayed true to its original layout
that has remained ever popular with its players over the years.

TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE 179
 Ϭϭϯϯϰϴϯϴϱϱϱ ϬϭϯϯϰϰϳϵϵϬϬ
www.clubcars-standrews.com

5 DAY lub
olf CSUMMER SPECIAL
IP
ERSH
MEMB ly
on h G
£399 Royal Musselburg MEMBERSHIP OFFER 2017
Club Cars can meet all your taxi requirements, from shopping trips and nights out to airport
transfers and corporate golf outings. Our spacious saloon cars mean that your comfort is assured
Gents full 7 day membership only - £459
and estate car capacity is available when luggage space is required.
We also operate people carriers seating up to 8 passengers. We operate quality vehicles which Ladies full 7 day membership only - £419
are both clean and well maintained; similarly, we aim to create a favourable impression by being
smartly attired. Taking a conscientious and professional approach to all our customers. For further information please email managementsecretary@royalmusselburgh.co.uk
or call 0875 819000
www.standrews-chauffeurdrive.com Full T&Cs available on request

Torwoodlee Golf Club

Situated just outside Galashiels in the beautiful Scottish Borders
countryside, with over 100 years of history, Torwoodlee is a
picturesque 18-hole 6,021 yrd, par 69 golf course. Flanked by the River
Gala and set amongst a mix of mature woodland and rolling parkland,
it is one of the most challenging golf courses in the Scottish Borders.

4 ball special for £120 including buggies

New Buggies With iPad Fly Over 01896 752260 JOIN THE CLUB
(OPTION 3)
EĞǁdǁŝůŝŐŚƚDĞŵďĞƌƐŚŝƉĂƚĞŐŽƌLJ
www.torwoodleegolfclub.co.uk ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞĂƚKŶůLJ£725
torwoodleegolfclub@torwoodleegolfclub.com
ϱĂLJDĞŵďĞƌƐŚŝƉŽŶůLJ£555
:ƵŶŝŽƌĐĂĚĞŵLJDĞŵďĞƌƐŚŝƉŽŶůLJ£100
&ŽƌŵŽƌĞŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶŽŶŽƵƌ
ŵĞŵďĞƌƐŚŝƉƐƉůĞĂƐĞĐĂůů01573 450 333

@Ewan Davidson Photography

ǁǁǁ͘ƌŽdžďƵƌŐŚĞͲŚŽƚĞů͘ŶĞƚĞ͗ŐŽůĨΛƌŽdžďƵƌŐŚĞ͘ŶĞƚ

GREAT PACKAGES signoaur

AVAILABLE FOR PARTIES t
holeure
OF 8 OR MORE
Coffee & bacon roll + 18 holes £20.00
Coffee & bacon roll + 18 holes + 2
course meal £24.00
Coffee & bacon roll + 12 holes + soup
YOU DESERVE THE BEST GOLF BREAK IN THE & sandwiches + 18 holes £28.00
Coffee & bacon roll + 12 holes + soup
SCOTTISH BORDERS INCLUDING FREE GOLF! & sandwiches + 18 holes + 2 course
meal £36.00
New WoLL Estate overlooking THE woLL Golf course, The most popular golf resort in
the Scottish Borders & no wonder with FREE GOLF and our award winning restaurant
in the Clubhouse. CALL us now 01750 32799 or check out our website for availability! MAGDALENE FIELDS GOLF CLUB
^ŝƚƵĂƚĞĚŽŶƚŚĞďŽƌĚĞƌďĞƚǁĞĞŶ^ĐŽƚůĂŶĚΘŶŐůĂŶĚ
NEW WoLL estate, ASHKIRK TD7 4PE 01750 32799· CLUBhouse@wollgolf.co.uk 01289 306130
www.wollgolf.co.uk www.magdalene-fields.co.uk

Alnmouth Golf Club Fulford Golf Club | Yorkshire

Northumberland
Coastal Golf
Breaks Prices from
Two nights’ Dinner, Bed
and Breakfast with three
£90
per person
rounds of golf, from a
selection of some fantastic
local coastal courses including
Alnmouth, Goswick, Bamburgh, Discounted Summer & Twilight Rates Available
Dunstanburgh and Eyemouth, Foxton Hall, Alnmouth,
from £228 per person. One night Northumberland NE66 3BE
breaks available from £90 per T: 01665 830231
person. All 3 Star accommodation E: bookings@alnmouthgolfclub.com 01904 413579 | info@fulfordgolfclub.co.uk
in the clubhouse. www.alnmouthgolfclub.com www.fulfordgolfclub.co.uk

180 BUNKERED.CO.UK
CALLY PALACE HOTEL & GOLF COURSE
E FROM
Î Gatehouse of Fleet, Dumfries and Galloway
Î Par 71 Yards 6,062 £25
PER ROUND
Î mcmillanhotels.co.uk

` The South-West of Scotland has always been known for its spectacular
golf courses and Cally Palace certainly fits that bill. With its own
18-hole parkland golf course on site, you’re guaranteed a relaxing
and enjoyable stay. Stretching across 6,062 yards, this course is
expertly sculpted. It uses the parkland surrounding the hotel as well
as the natural contours of the land trees to create what can only be
described as a ‘hidden gem’. Situated alongside the picturesque Cally
Lake, you’ll struggle to find a better place to play a round of golf.

GREENBURN GOLF CLUB FROM

Î Bathgate
Î Par 71 Yards 6,067 £15
PER ROUND
Î greenburngolfclub.co.uk

` Greenburn Golf Club is a mix of parkland and moorland holes and

can only be described as a hidden gem in West Lothian. Located along
the Breichwater Valley within the village of Fauldhouse, the course
offers a challenge that an experienced and an amateur golfer can both
enjoy alike. Greenburn pride themselves on improving the course’s
condition year on year and prolonging the golfing season as much
as possible. Their greens have improved from the excellent drainage
and the strict programmes that have been installed in the past year. ‘A kid grows up a
lot faster on a golf
course. Golf teaches
you how to behave.’
MACDONALD CARDRONA FROM
Jack Nicklaus

Î Peebles
Î Par 72 Yards 7,010 £35
PER ROUND
Î macdonaldhotels.co.uk

` Designed in 2001 by David Thomas, Macdonald Cardrona’s

reputation has risen quickly up the ranks. It has previously hosted
tournaments on the Euro Pro Tour and European Challenge Tour,
which gives you an indication why its popularity has rapidly increased.
The length of the course is the first thing that stands out. The
driver will be taken out the bag more often than not so its vital to
be fairly useful with it. The 4-star hotel and spa facilities also add
to the experience; it is well worth checking these out as well.

STRATHMORE (RANNALEROCH) FROM

Î Blairgowrie, Perthshire
Î Par 72 Yards 6,454 £36
PER ROUND
Î strathmoregolf.com

` Set in the beautiful Perthshire countryside, Strathmore benefits from

an elevated position with wonderful views over Strathmore to the
Sidlaw Hills. Easy access to Perth, Dundee, Aberdeen and Edinburgh
make it a popuar haunt. The 18-hole Rannaleroch course is set in
rolling parkland with fantastic views over the valley. With many mature
trees and over 12,000 younger ones, the course gives the impression
of being far older than it really is. It has a traditional layout with two
loops of nine, both of which start and finish at the clubhouse.

TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE 181
CLASSIFIEDS

St Andrew Street,
THE KING’S ARMS HOTEL Castle Douglas,
DG7 1EL

The ideal location for your next golfing Start in the morning with the hearty Kings’
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package of 1 round on Southerness/Powfoot
and Dumfries & County with 2 nights’ dinner Private off-road car park/drying room/club
B&B from £235pp. storage/excellent food/late bar/free Wi-Fi.
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GREEN FEES
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SPECIAL RATES FOR
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• Comfortable on-site bungalow for small

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from pp 01556 620 205 • sloananchor@yahoo.co.uk
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Thornhill | Parkland | 18 Holes |Par 71 | 6,085yards | Blacknest, Thornhill, Dumfriesshire, DG3 5DW
Tel: 01848 331779 Email: info@thornhillgolfclub.co.uk | www.thornhillgolfclub.co.uk based on 2 sharing

Historic Inn (1771) overlooking

Stonehaven’s picturesque harbour.
White Horse Inn
www.whitehorseinn.co.uk CRUDEN
Excellent home cooked meals available in BAY
panoramic restaurant, cosy bar or outside Thinking of playing Trump International this year?
terrace. Seafood a speciality. 11 luxurious Balmedie, just north of Aberdeen is the perfect place NEWBURGH
ensuite bedrooms (most with harbour ON YTHAN
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enquiries@shipinnstonehaven.com ROYAL ABERDEEN
01358 742404
www.shipinnstonehaven.com bookings@whitehorseinn.co.uk 0 1 5 miles

albatross Executive Transportation Muir of Ord Golf Club

Great North Road, Muir of Ord, Ross-shire IV6 7SX
TOP BRAND
LEFT AND RIGHT • Par 68 easy walking golf course
CLUB HIRE • A James Braid Designed Course
AVAILABLE
• Weekday and Sun Round £30, Sat £35
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and Sun after 3pm £15
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TRAVELLING TIMES FROM INVERNESS Executive Private and • Weekday Day Ticket £35
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182 BUNKERED.CO.UK
 WHERE TO PLAY / SOUTH WEST / NORTH EAST / HIGHLANDS / HEARTLANDS / CENTRAL

Monturpie Guest House & Apartments

Monturpie’s stunning location within the
East Neuk of Fife, is within easy driving
distance to St Andrews and all of Fife’s
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of Forth towards Edinburgh. Our onsite
licenced restaurant provides delicious
home cooked meals, Monturpie also
offers a touring caravan site, new
serviced apartments coming soon. • 2017 Open Championship Packages
• Tee times on the best links golf courses in the world including
Please visit our website for more
information. www.monturpie.co.uk The Old Course, Kingbarns, Muirfield and The Renaissance Club
• Accommodation ranging from 4/5 star hotels, private country estates
T: 01333 360254 and seaside B&B’s
E: enquiries@monturpie.co.uk
Upper Largo, Near St Andrews, Fife KY8 5QS T +44 (0) 800 130 3222 E info@muirfieldtravel.com /muirfieldtravel @muirfieldtravel

PACKAGE 1 The Esk

1 night’s bed and breakfast plus 1 round on
The Medal and 1 round on The Broomfield.
£116 per person
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2 nights’ bed and breakfast plus 1 round on Best Tourism Business 2016
The Medal and 1 round on The Broomfield.
£156 per person Taste our Best Food Award
• Sky/BT Sports, Pool Table •
PACKAGE 3 The Clova
2 nights’ bed and breakfast plus 2 rounds on • Free WiFi •
The Medal and 1 round on The Broomfield. DB&B Packages from
£212 per person
£49pp
145 High Street Biggar
For bookings, The Park Hotel, 61 John Street, Montrose DD10 8RJ
reservations &
T: 01674 663400 | E: reservations@parkmontrose.com 01899 220044
more information
please contact www.parkmontrose.com info@elphinstonehotel.co.uk
www.elphinstonehotel.co.uk

A SOCIAL GAME
A SOCIAL MAG
SPECIAL GOLFERS’ PACKAGE
2 nights’ Dinner, Bed & Breakfast plus
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13 fantastic golf courses within 10 miles
connect with us
T: 01592 654112 F: 01592 598555
E: info@royalhotelfife.co.uk
www.royalhotelfife.co.uk

CALLING ALL
SOCIETIES
Visit the FREE one-stop
resource for society planners

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AN AMAZING GOLF HOLIDAY TO
W
E HAVE TEAMED UP WITH our
good friends at Macdonald Hotels
& Resorts to offer one lucky
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WHICH SPANISH GOLFER WON TERMS AND CONDITIONS
All entries - either online or by postcard
THE 2017 MASTERS? - must be received no later than June
15, 2017. Only one entry per person
A. JON RAHM can be accepted. Winner will be the
first correct entry drawn after the
B. RAFA CABRERA-BELLO closing date. The editor’s decision is
final. Booking subject to availability but
C. SERGIO GARCIA cannot be used during school holidays.
ccommodation is on a self-catering
basis and sharing one apartment that
sleeps 4. Spa treatments, additional
› ENTER at bunkered.co.uk/competitions golf, restaurant costs are not included..
Return flights for four will be offered
Or send your answer, name and contact details from major UK international airports
only and on ‘Budget’ airlines (or
to: Macdonald Hotels Comp, bunkered, PSP cheapest alternative). Prize valid
House, 50 High Craighall Road, Craighall until December 31, 2017. Prize is
non-refundable and there is no cash
Business Park, Glasgow, G4 9UD alternative. Competition only open
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bunkeredmagazine
 IS LYDIA CHANGING
TOO MUCH, TOO SOON?
Women’s world No.1 Ko has made some
¼ DOONTHESTRETCH
big decisions over the last few months
WORDS David Cunninghame
@D_Cunninghame PHOTOS Getty Images
T
WENTY-YEAR OLD
South Korean-born
New Zealander Lydia
Ko is no stranger to the
spotlight. She became the
youngest-ever world No.1
at the age of 17, has two
major championships to
her name and, last season,
won the Rolex Annika
Major Award.
Over the last few
months, however, she has
had to endure arguably
more than her fair share of
criticism, all due to a series
of sweeping changes that
have recently taken place.
NEW SWING COACH
First came the somewhat
surprising decision, at the
beginning of December, to
drop her renowned swing
coach David Leadbetter
pictured below. Ko began
working with Leadbetter
shortly after she turned
pro, in Autumn 2013, and
her decison to part ways
came as a surprise to most
onlookers after all she
TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE
had achieved under his
guidance.
The split appeared to be
amicable, with Leadbetter
describing Ko as ‘not only
an exceptional player,
but also an exceptional
person’ and ‘a perfect role
model for any young golfer
to follow’. He did, though.
have some criticisms of
the role her parents have
played in her decisions.
He said: “They tell her
when to go to bed, what
to eat, what to wear,
when to practice and
what to practice. And they
expect her to win every
tournament. They are
naive about golf and, at
some point, they’ve got
to let the bird fly from the
nest. I would often think,
‘It’s not easy coaching
three people.’”
This isn’t the first
time we’ve been told of
overbearing parents in the
game of golf but it does
raise the question of how
much influence Ko really T
Lydia Ko split with her swing coach
David Leadbetter in December
187
 Ko split with caddie Gary Matthews
after only nine events and despite
a T2 finish in their final event.
T has when it comes to
making her own decisions?
Since parting ways with
Leadbetter, Ko has started
working with South African
Gary Gilchrist. “When I
talked to other players that
were with Gary they said
he was very simple and
wasn’t very mechanical,”
she explained. “I tried a
few lessons with him and
felt like it was very simple
and wouldn’t rip the swing
apart.”
Golf is littered with
cautionary tales of the
dangers of swing changes.
188 BUNKERED.CO.UK
We only have to think blame for her eight-month
back to Martin Kaymer’s winless streak.
swing changes in 2011 that “In all honesty, there is
saw his career somewhat no communication in the
derailed for a few years. whole camp,” Matthews
We can only hope this is told Golf Digest. “You
not the case for the young never know anything
star of the women’s game or are told anything.
She needs to wake
NEW CADDY up on caddie-player
The process of splitting relationships”
with a caddy mid-season This decision left many
can be tough and, to scratching their heads,
some, the recent sacking as did the decision to bin
of Gary Matthews after her former caddie Jason
only nine tournaments on Hamilton in October last
the bag suggested that year. Together, they had
Ko was looking to assign won eight times since
pairing up in early 2015.
Ko is now onto her 11th
caddie since turning pro
and Matthews’ comments
are again a sign that
perhaps her entourage is
playing too big a role in
her golfing career.
NEW CLUBS
Professional golfers
changing clubs is nothing
new. The lure of big
money contracts has
almost always outweighed
individual preference and
the possibility that a switch
could derail their career,
 DOON THE STRETCH
THE STATS
z 2016
Scoring average
2nd (69.596)
Driving distance
126th (246.792 yards)
Driving accuracy
68th (70.9% FIR)
GIR 31st (70.4%)
Putts per GIR
1st (average 1.711)
Putting average
1st (28.31 per round)
Sand saves 6th (57.8%)
4 wins in 24 starts (1 major)

z 2017 (STATS
ACCURATE AS
OF 27/4/17)
Scoring average
13th (69.731)
Driving distance
99th (246.596 yards)
Driving accuracy
24th (82.1% FIR)
GIR 35th (73.5%)
Putts per GIR
22nd (average 1.747)
Putting average
even temporarily. At the WHY NOW? it often takes time for 32nd (29.04 per round)
beginning of this year Ko maintains that it was changes like these to Sand saves 13th (64.71%)
Ko made the switch from a coincidence that all of bed in, so perhaps it is 0 wins in 7 starts
Callaway to PXG, after these changes occurred best to give her a year
penning a deal worth a within such a short time and then we can make
Looking at these stats,
reported $14.5 million. frame. a fair judgement on how
maybe the swing coach
Parallels have been “Even though I might they have impacted her
drawn between Ko’s be the No.1 ranked player game. After all, she is still and equipment changes
current predicament in the world, I still feel like world No.1, missed the were the right decision
and Rory McIlroy’s dip there’s a lot of aspects cut for only the second after all. They show that Ko
in form after switching of my game that I can time in her career at the is, in fact, striking the ball
from Titleist to Nike in improve on,” she said end of March and has better so far in 2017 under
2013. However, so far she recently. “You have got five top 10s and one top Gilchrist, when compared
seems to be enjoying her to have that mindset five so far this season. to her 2016 season. It
new PXG clubs, saying because there is always Not bad for someone, appears to be her putter
she is ‘confident’ with the a position for you to get whom many say is that has gone off the boil
change and now a little better.” making all the wrong and the reason she is
longer off the tee. That’s fair enough and choices. winless so far in 2017.

TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE 189
 WIN! A BRAND NEW
POWERBUG GTX1
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W
E HAVE TEAMED-UP WITH PowerBug to offer one
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THE GTX1 IS THE GENERATION

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Or send your answer, name and contact
details to: PowerBug Competition, bunkered,
PSP House, 50 High Craighall Road,
Craighall Business Park, Glasgow, G4 9UD

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

All entries must be received no later than June 15, 2017. Only one entry per person can be accepted.
Winner will be the first correct entry drawn after the closing date. Prize is non-refundable and there is no
cash alternative. Competition is only open to UK residents and current passport holders. Prize cannot be
sold or exchanged for financial gain. By entering this competition, you agree to share your data with our
supporting partners. The editor’s decision is final. See our Facebook page for winners’ details: facebook.
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190 BUNKERED.CO.UK
DOON THE STRETCH
PRIZE CROSSWORD
Once you have completed the crossword, re-arrange the WIN... A DOZEN SRIXON
letters in yellow squares to form a Scottish course AD333 GOLF BALLS

Across
7. This course will host the Scottish Senior Open
in 2017 (11)
8. Tiger’s major wins plus 2 Down’s major wins (7)
9. Pack of golf balls (6)
11. Compartment where golf clubs are kept (6)
12. It is used to mark a golf scorecard (6)
15. Rory McIlroy had ____ surgery in 2015 (3)
16. Player, the winner of nine major
championships (4)
17. Caddies have been allowed to wear these for
some time (6)
20. Valhalla is in this US state (8)
21. Ewen, the Scottish golf commentator (6)
Down
1. In 2017, Jordan Spieth won his ninth PGA Tour
victory on this course (6,5)
2. European Ryder Cup player in 2010, 2012, 2014
and 2016 (6)
3. Justin Thomas’s home country (3)
4. Winner of the 1997 PGA Championship (5,4)
5. Tayport golf course (10)
6. Role Dan confused with an Open champion! (7)
10. An albatross is also known as a double ______
(5)
13. Andrew, head professional at Panmure GC (6)
14. See 19 Down
17. Torrance, the Scottish golfing great (3)
18. Nick Dougherty is a presenter for this
television company (3)
19. And 14 Down. Dustin Johnson’s winning
margin at the 2017 WGC-Mexico Championship
(3,6) Answer ..............................................................................................................................................................................................

Your Name ......................................................................................................................................................................................

Address ............................................................................................................................................................................................

..............................................................................................................................................................................................................
Issue 154 answer North Berwick
Winner George Kelly, Milngavie Email ................................................................................................................................................................................................
ISSUE 154 ANSWERS Across 6. Machrihanish, 8. Strike, 9. School, 10. Eagles,
13. Peter, 15. Zoeller, 16. World, 18. Hay, 19. Cut, 20. Price, 21. Airfield, 22.
Venue, 23. USA. Down 1. Castle Course, 2. Choi, 3. Jimenez, 4. Marsh, 5. Send your entry to ‘Prize Crossword’, bunkered, 50 High Craighall Rd, Glasgow, G4 9UD.
Michael, 7. Hooker, 11. Golf club, 12. Solheim, 14. Teacher, 17. Studio. Crossword kindly produced by Jim McLaren / jim.mclaren5@gmail.com

QUIZ TIME his three Masters titles?

3 At which course did
6 In which year did
Phil Mickelson win his
9 Jordan Spieth, Dustin
Johnson, Tiger Woods,
John Daly win the 1991 first PGA Tour title? Fred Couples and David
1 Zach Johnson beat PGA Championship? 7 Who did Keith Pelley Duval are five of the six
Louis Oosthuizen and which 4 If you were playing at succeed as the chief executive Americans to be ranked world
other golfer in a play-off Cabot Cliffs, which country of the European Tour? No.1 - who is the other?
at the 2015 Open? would you be in? 8 How many major 10 How many different
2 In which year did Sir 5 Who captained the US team championships did Annika Scottish golfers have won
Nick Faldo win the first of to Ryder Cup glory in 1999? Sorenstam win? the Open Championship?
6. 1991, 7. George O’Grady, 8. Ten, 9. Tom Lehman, 10. 22.
ANSWERS 1. Marc Leishman, 2. 1989, 3. Crooked Stick, 4. Canada, 5. Ben Crenshaw,

TWITTER.COM/BUNKEREDONLINE 191
 Golf at the Heart
of Perthshire
Crieff Golf Club is rated as one of Scotland’s top inland courses. Surrounded
by beautiful countryside, at the heart of golfing Perthshire, it provides a
feeling of escape as well as spectacular views.

Excellent playing conditions and friendly reception to visitors see the

club regularly being voted as one of the top UK golf courses by UK golf
magazine readers.

SPECIAL
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Book a 4-Ball
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Check on-line for
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For membership enquiries, E: secretary@crieffgolf.co.uk | T: 01764 652397
www.crieffgolf.co.uk

Caldwell Golf Club

Come and join us at our
GOLF FOR ALL
event at Caldwell Golf Club
SUNDAY 21st MAY
12:00–15:00
• 4 HOLE COMPETITION ON THE DAY • PRIZES TO BE WON • JUNIOR MASTERCLASS • CHAMPIONS CLINIC
• FREE MEMBERSHIPS FOR UNDER 18’S • FAMILY BBQ • SPECIAL OFFERS

THINKING OF Come along for only £5 per head (or

just £20 for the whole family) and get
GETTING INTO GOLF? a sample of what we can offer, this will
Or, are you already a Golfer and include all activities & something from
looking for a new challenge? Either the BBQ and a soft drink!
way, come along to Caldwell on ČɥljƺȈƃȢÃljȴƹljɨɰȃȈɥȈȶƺljȶɽȈʤljɰ
ɽȃljїіɰɽɁǹÃƃʰƃȶǁǼljɽƃːƃʤɁʍɨɁǹ include
i - play a full round for £15, cost
what we can offer, not just to the deducted should you subsequently
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Please contact the Pro Shop
01505 850616 to register your
interest – limited spaces.

Lochlibo Road, Uplawmoor, Renfrewshire G78 4AU

Pro Shop: 01505 850616 • Clubhouse: 01505 850366 • www.caldwellgolfclub.com
DOON THE STRETCH

DARNLEY’S GIN RAISES GLASS TO RICOH

Fife-based distiller puts pen to paper on Women’s British Open deal

D
ARNLEY’S GIN, one of the pioneers
of the UK’s flourishing gin scene, has
announced a major new partnership
with the RICOH Women’s British Open.
The award-winning brand will become
the ‘official gin’ of this year’s championship,
which will be making its first appearance at
the Kingsbarns Golf Links from August 3-6.
As part of the deal, Darnley’s will be
the exclusive gin provider for the Village
Bar and Hospitality Tent and will also
host an on-site sampling experience for
spectators.
The partnership marks a major milestone
year for the forward-thinking brand, which
recently announced a bold new look, new
expression and new distillery.
Commenting on the announcement,
William Wemyss, Owner and Managing
Director of Darnley’s Gin, said: “The RICOH
Women’s British Open is a real highlight of
the international golfing calendar, so we
are delighted to be associated with such a
prestigious tournament.
“Both the championship and Darnley’s
Gin pride themselves on their rich heritage
and the fact that this year’s event will
take place in Fife, the home town of the
Wemyss family and location of our new
distillery, makes the partnership even more
of a natural fit.
“The sponsorship heralds an exciting
new chapter for our gin and we are looking
forward to announcing further exciting
news over the coming months.”
For more information on Darnley’s Gin, visit
darnleysgin.com or follow them on Twitter:
@darnleysgin

WILSON CUP SET TO RETURN TO ORKNEY

ONE of the oldest and most
hotly-contested amateur
golf tournaments in Scotland
is making its way to the
Orkney Islands this year for
the first time since 2009.
The Wilson Cup, first staged
in 1903, will take place at
Orkney Golf Club from July 8-9,
featuring teams representing
the hosts and their fellow
Orcadians, Stromness Golf
Club, as well as from the
Whalsay and Shetland Golf
Clubs in Shetland, and
Reay, Wick and Thurso and
Lybster in Caithness.
The matchplay competition
sees teams of four play doubles
matches in two-ball foursomes.
The eight teams are split into
two groups of four and each
group plays a round robin with
every match played to the
18th hole. The winners of each
group contest the final on the
Sunday afternoon to see who
takes home the Wilson Cup.
A win for the hosts would
see them equal Wick’s record
number of victories (23).
Thurso, however, are the
team to beat, with seven
wins in the last ten years.
For more information,
visit orkneygolfclub.co.uk
 Moments
LANDMARK VICTORIES | INSPIRATIONAL PLAYERS

1973
JOHNNY MILLER
THE ‘MIRACLE
AT OAKMONT’

TRAILING BY SIX SHOTS going

into the final round, few people gave
26-year-old Johnny Miller any chance
of turning things around to win his
first major at the 1973 US Open. For
one thing, he’d have to overtake
Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary
Player and Lee Trevino - winners of a
combined 28 majors to that point - on
the leaderboard. For another, he’d
have to produce a seriously low round
on one of golf’s toughest courses,
the fearsome Oakmont. He had the
talent – you don’t amass five top ten
finishes in your first 15 major starts
by fluke – but, still, this was the US
Open, golf’s ultimate war of attrition.
You don’t make up ground; you just
try not to lose any. Or so they said.
Miller birdied his first four holes to
get off to a dream start before a
bogey at the eighth threatened to
derail his comeback. Undeterred,
he picked up shots at four of his
next five holes and, after a par at
the 14th, found himself tied for the
lead with Palmer, Julius Boros and
Tom Weiskopf. He birdied 15 to take
sole possession of the lead and,
after a 20-foot birdie putt lipped
out at the last, he tapped-in for
a 63 - the first time anyone had
broken 64 in one of golf’s four major
championships. It was good enough
for a one-shot win over John Schlee,
with Weiskopf third and Nicklaus,
Palmer and Trevino sharing fourth.
Remarkably, Miller hit all 18 greens
in regulation and required only
29 putts. Ten of his approaches
finished within ten feet of the pin,
with five of them within six feet. For
context, only three other players
broke 70 on that final day.
Since then, there have been 26
further rounds of 63 across the
four majors. Nobody has
yet gone lower.

194 BUNKERED.CO.UK